Gary Lee Bowman
October 26, 1950 ~ June 20, 2015
Gary Lee Bowman, 64, Hills, MN, died Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls following ongoing health issues.
Family visitation will be 5-7pm Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Heartland Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1:00pm, Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Heartland Funeral Home with Military Rites.
Gary Lee Bowman was born October 26, 1950, in Worthington, MN, to Elmer and Margaret (Janssen) Bowman. He grew up as one of four children in Slayton where he graduated from Slayton High School. On October 16, 1970, Gary married the girl he met at the Ottertail Lake over the summers, Debra Jacobs. He joined the Army and the headed off to El Paso, TX. He served six years for the Army and then another 19 years for the SD Air National Guard, and traveled to several different locations. After his stint in the Army, he returned to Minnesota to attend school for Lumber Yard Management. Gary worked for Scott’s Lumber, Hills Beaver Creek High School, and Campbell Supply for the next 35 years until his health forced him to semi retire.
Gary enjoyed fishing, old cars, woodworking, golf and the Minnesota Twins. His favorite day was chips and HOT salsa, peanuts, pretzels, brewed iced tea with lemon on the side, and his Twins. Gary’s favorite car was his Rambler but he enjoyed all cars and motorcycles and he was a member of the Siouxland Street Rodders Club. Gary and Deb were members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Hills, MN, and Gary belonged to the Hill’s American Legion Post 399. Gary will forever be remembered for his sense of humor and being a jokester. He loved his family and would do anything for them. Gary loved to spend any time he could with his grandchildren and loved to watch them participate in their activities. He loved to embarrass his kids too, even when they didn’t think it was funny. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was one of the “friendly faces in the Red Shirts.”
Gary is survived by his wife, Deb; three children, Christopher Bowman, Sioux Falls, Rebecca (Troy) Woehl, Aberdeen, and James (Nicole) Bowman, Aberdeen; seven grandchildren, Emma, Morgan, Kallie, Andrew, Allison, Addison, and Brayden; his mother, Margaret Bowman, Fergus Falls, MN; and three siblings, Gayle (Steve) Fitz, Fergus Falls, Sue (Bob) Harris, Mason City, IA, and Rande (Linda) Bowman, North Mankato, MN.
Gary was preceded in death by his father.
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Deb, and your family. Ron and Irene Bowman, Dunedin, Florida
Hey Deb and kids, Just thinking of you guys. Sorry we won’t be able to be there, but you are in hearts at this difficult time. We will keep you in our prays. Stay strong! Love Robin, Dave and Travis Young
Deb and family,
Please accept our sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and I had some good times at HBC. I will miss his laugh and fun nature. He truly loved his family. My sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.
So sorry for your loss. I remember riding in Gary’s Rambler many years ago over at Volk Field Wisconsin during a guard deployment. He took us to a hot rod rally. He was a great guy and always knew where the car shows were. And great pizza joints!
Deb, so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Heard thru Facebook from my niece in S. F. So glad I got to see him when I did.