Fred Bowman

Searle Frederick Bowman was born October 11, 1920, in Mt. Morris, IL, the son of Samuel Frederick and Ella Robinson Bowman. He graduated from Leaf River Community High School in 1938. Fred attended Illinois State University, and received a B. S. Degree in Education in 1943. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy August 17, 1942, attended Notre Dame University Naval Midshipman's School, and received a commission as Ensign USNR. Fred served in the South Pacific as Officer in Charge of LCT 6 902 during World War II. He returned to the United States in January 1946 and was assigned as Education Service Officer at the Separation Center at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He was separated from active duty in June 1946. Fred attended summer session at the University of Illinois and taught vocational agriculture for one year at Leaf River Community High School. He moved to Minneapolis and worked as a salesman at the Dayton Co. On November 15, 1947, Fred was united in marriage to Evelyn V. Anderson of Scandia, MN. In February 1948, the couple moved to Hollandale and farmed there for 30 years, retiring in 1978 and moving to Geneva. While farming, Fred continued as a Naval Reserve Officer holding many responsibilities until his retirement in June 1968 as LCR USNR after serving for 26 years in active duty and reserves. He served two terms on the Church Council, was a member of the West Side School Board, and served as Geneva Township Supervisor for 16 years. Fred loved to travel and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion and an active member of the Community Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Geneva; sons: Ron and his wife, Pat of Minong, WS, Sam and his wife, Susan of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Gerald and his wife, Roxann of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren: David and his wife, Wendy Bowman, Dawn and her husband, Nicholas Pochardt, Brian Bowman, Deborah Bowman, Matthew Bowman, and Donald McWinnie; great-granddaughter, McKenzie Pochardt; sister, Ysobel Pippel; sisters-in-law, Vera Bowman and Mildred Bowman; brothers-in-law, Tony Valdez and Robert Kolata; and many nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Kenneth Allen; brothers, Eugene, Ross, Guy, Gilbert, and Robert; and sisters, Eleanor Valdez and Mary Kitty Kolata.