Cheryl Ann (Wexell) Dowell

Cheryl Ann (Wexell) Dowell, 86, of Bishop Hill, died at 2:04 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

She was born on August 3, 1939 in Ulah, IL, the daughter of Vernie Victor and Blanche (Sellon) Wexell. Survivors include her four children; Victoria (Mike) Rabas of Bishop Hill, Greg (Emily) Dowell of Deer Park, IL, Chanda Dowell (Mike Keup) of Bishop Hill and Doug (Stacia) Dowell of Bloomington, IL, eight grandchildren:  Alec, Kali, Eliza, Jimmy, Will, Christian, Ty and Aubrey and five great grandchildren: Tori, MacKenzie, Patrick, Ryan and Adeline. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Helen McIntire.

Cheryl graduated from Galva High School in 1957. She was an Assistant Site Superintendent for the Bishop Hill Historical Site through the State of Illinois. She was a member of the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church, Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

Cheryl was proud to be a descendant of the first colonists from Hälsingland, Sweden who founded the Bishop Hill Colony. She was passionate about researching, preserving and communicating the rich history of the Bishop Hill Colony. Her method of historical interpretation often focused on people, as she looked to understand the individual in their unique circumstances. Capturing the stories of common people, who might often be forgotten to history, was important to her. She was pleased to share her knowledge of the colonists and their descendants with anyone who might be on a quest to understand their heritage.  She was a tireless promoter of Bishop Hill.

She was an avid baseball and basketball fan and followed the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and the Fighting Illini, but her favorite teams were always the ones on which her grandchildren played. Nature filled her with a sense of awe, and she took great pleasure in feeding the birds, gardening, and observing the changing of the seasons. Cheryl was a lifelong learner, always reading and challenging herself. More than anything else in life, however, she cherished the time spent with her family and friends. There was always a place at her table, a chair to pull up, and coffee and bread to share. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 17 at the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Gearhart and Rev. Dan Wright officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. The burial will be in Bishop Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

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