----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.)

EDWARD L BOWMAN

Edward L Bowman, age 84, of Alma center, passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of loved ones on April 23, 2002.

Edward was born Feb. 1, 1918 in Loyal, the only child of Lawrence and Hulda Bowman. He graduated from the Loyal High School in 1936. After graduation, he ventured to Idaho and worked as a ranch hand until entering the U.S. Army in 1941. He was a corporal in the 182nd Field Artillery Unit, serving in Normandy, northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan in 1945, receiving numerous awards during his service time.

On Oct. 11, 1947, he married Elnora Degenhardt in Loyal. They were married for 35 wonderful years until her death in 1983. To this union, 11 children were born. They farmed for several years in Neillsville until they moved to Alma Center in 1950.

Upon moving to Alma Center, Edward owned and operated a gas station for nine years. After this time, he was employed at Nelson Muffler until retiring in 1983 with 25 years of service. During his years in Alma Center, Edward was an active member of the community, serving on the Village Board, as a member of the VFW, as a school bus driver, and on the Volunteer Fire Dept for 25 years.

In 1984, Edward married Dellene Hackelberg, sharing eighteen wonderful years until his passing. During their marriage, they traveled extensively following the crafting circuit, of which Ed was an active and supportive partner. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and spending precious time with his family and friends.

Surviving Edward is his wife, Dellene; nine children, Jerry (Janet) of Fairchild, Janet (Dean) Stephens of Alma Center, Jack (Diane) of Menomonie, June (Dale) Cummings of Alma Center, Jay (Renee) of Alma Center, Joann DeGroot of Sarona, Jewell (Stewart) Murray of Washington, Jon (Nancy) of Rockford, IL and Jill (Dean) Sabin of Fairchild. Surviving also are stepchildren, which include Leon (Kindy) Hackelberg of Humbird, Howard (Cindy Hackelberg of Tennessee and Carrie (Dan Shoemaker) Hackelberg of Alma Center. There are 26 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Preceding Edward in death are his parents, his wife Elnora, and twin baby girls, Betty and Bonnie.

Funeral Services for Edward were held April 27, at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton. Burial with military rites too place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Alma Center.

Casket bearers were Karla Stephens Felt, heather Meyer, Michael Meyer, Cathie Morrow, Kelly Tankovich and Chris Bowman. Honorary bearers wee Howard Hackelbert, Dean Sabin, James Schutz, Rocky Bowman and Dan Shoemaker.