John R. Bowers

John R. "Jack" Bowers, age 76, Clark, died in the Golden Living Center at Clark on Tuesday afternoon, December 30, 2008 due to cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11AM in the Furness Funeral Home Chapel at Clark with Fr. Bill Hamak and Pastor Donna Nickels officiating. Music will be provided by Wendy Christman. The casketbearers will be Doug Loomis, Doug Bergan, Larry Brenden, Bryan Trapp, Ken Luvaas and John Dallmann. The American Flag will be folded and presented by Rob McGraw, Post Commander, Smith-Cagley American Legion Post of Clark assisted by Jason Coenen. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery at Clark.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-6 PM at the Furness Funeral Home at Clark and after 9AM on Saturday in the funeral home chapel.

He was born in Madelia, MN, the son of Earl Robert and Hattie Lucille (Meyer) Bowers. For the first few years of his life he was raised by his grandparents in Minnesota and then at the age of 9 he moved to a farm south of Raymond with his father. He helped on the family farm and attended school in Fordham Township through the eighth grade. Following his schooling he continued helping on the farm until entering the United States Army in 1953. He served his country as part of the 60 ^th infantry in Germany until December of 1954.

After his discharge, he returned to Clark County and worked for various farmers and also for Schlagel Construction. On August 28, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joanne Poirier at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Clark. The couple lived on a farm until moving into Clark in 1959. He worked for Hubbard Implement from 1959-1961 and then began a 12 year employment with the Clark County Highway Department. In 1965, he and his brother Richard "Punk" owned and operated Bowers Repair, but returned to the county in 1966. In 1973 he and a brother, Don, purchased Schlagel Construction, which became Bowers Construction, partnering with Don until 1977, at which time he, Jack, became sole owner. He retired on January 1 of 1995. Jack will long be remembered for his hard work ethic.

Some of his fondest moments in life were spent fishing, boating - especiallywith his inboard motor boat-and camping, in recent years at the Missouri River. He loved visiting, having coffee with friends, rummaging together with his wife at various yard sales, taking trips to Yankton on October 1 ^st every chance to watch paddle fishing and using various pieces of electronic gadgets, especially the CB radio and side band radios. He also enjoyed trips to Pierre to see the Christmas trees in the State Capitol building and going to see the Peace Gardens in North Dakota.

Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Joanne of Clark, a son, Jerry (Diane) Bowers of Clark, three grandchildren, Heather, Justin and Jeremy and siblings, Marvin (Helen) Kruthoff of Clark, Jim (Jean) Bowers of Redfield, Gary (Linda) Kruthoff of Clark, Dale (Sandi) Kruthoff of Livingston, CA and Don (Mary) Bowers of Raymond. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Darlene Kruthoff of Watertown and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, siblings, Merlyn Kruthoff, Duane, Richard "Punk" (Betty) Bowers, Lucille and Gene Kruthoff.