Robert Bowerman
(January 28, 1949 - February 15, 2008)
 

Robert David Bowerman, age 59, of N7376 Monette Road, Munising, died with his loving wife and brother surrounding him on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. Bobby was born the middle of eleven children to William and Glenna (Depew) Bowerman. He married Lynne Ellen Bernard on September 28, 1968. Bob served in the U.S. Army from June 16, 1970 until June 15, 1973. He served in Vietnam from September 1971 until September 1972. Bob was a medic on the U.S.S. Corpus Christi Bay. He was discharged from the Army and earned the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals, Sharpshooter Badge, two overseas bars, and the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals. Bob went to welding school and worked for Sturgeon Bay Ship Builders, the Enresco Company, and Wickman Welding before he and Lynne returned to the Munising area. He worked for the Reff Brothers, AMCAB, and Charlie Vartti Builders before going to work at the Kewadin Casino in May of 1994. Bob was the Maintenance Supervisor at the time of his death. Bob was a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion, V.F.W., and Camp 77. He was also the Past President and Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #237. Bob was very involved in the building and fund raising for the Alger County Veterans Memorial at the City Park. He was very proud of that accomplishment and was passionate about selling the bricks that memorialize the Memorial. He enjoyed deer hunting and road hunting rides in search of partridge; he and Lynne enjoyed boating and he cross country skied. Bob loved to golf (although golf didn’t necessarily love him), and he also enjoyed bowling. Bob was a special uncle to his nieces and nephews. He and Lynne would help care for them and take them hunting, camping, and make them feel special.

Recently, Bobby returned to his Catholic roots and became reunited with his Lord. He truly felt the love of the Lord, the grace of His forgiveness, and wonder and preciousness of the Sacraments. It was a gift to Bobby’s family to watch his faith and his earnestness to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ and loved ones that had gone before him. He died with the gift of believing in eternal life.

Bob is survived by his lifetime friend, high school sweetheart, and wife of almost forty years – Lynne Bowerman; brothers and sisters – Beezie (Bruce) MacNeil of Green Bay, WI, Patty Ann (Bill) Nash of Munising, Richard (Mary) Bowerman of Wetmore, Katy (Lenny) Zelazoski of Kennesaw, GA, Tom (Kelly Kurk) Bowerman of Lake City, FL, David Bowerman of Munising, Ken (Barbie) Bowerman of Munising, Jeff (Patty Jo) Bowerman of Wheat Ridge, CO, and Kim (Mike) Harris of Ishpeming; sister-in-law - Barb Bowerman of Munising; parents-in-law – Russ and Bonnie Bernard of Munising; brothers and sisters-in-law – Jake (Donna) Bernard of Las Vegas, NV, Sandy (Peanut) Davis of Munising, Jude (Dave) Holloway of Munising, Russ Bernard of Green Bay, and Sheryl (Tim) Anderson of Munising; aunt – Louise Griffith of Munising; uncle – Jack Geniessee of Beaver Dam, WI; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Glenna, mother-in-law Molly Bernard, and brother William “Butch” Bowerman.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors at 7:00 p.m. and a Parish Vigil Service will immediately follow the Veterans. During the Vigil, there will be a time for sharing of stories and memories of Bob. Father Chris Gardiner will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery and he will be escorted by Peanut Davis, Mike Dugas, Dale Beckwith, Bruce Cromell, Charlie Rousseau, Beaver Dore’, Wally Jurinen, and Bill Nicholai.

Submitted by Char Livermore