Norman J. Bowers

Norman Bowers, Kaukauna, age 78, died Monday, May 2, 2011, peacefully at home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Norman was born February 25, 1933 in Kaukauna, the son of the late Henry and Cecelia (Schampers) Bowers. On March 2, 1954, Norman married the former Margaret Smet at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. He farmed for many years and then co-owned and operated Bowers Brothers feed mill with his brother, Bud, until retirement. He enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips to Canada, woodworking, puzzles, and enjoyed time spent at his cabin on the Wolf River hunting and fishing with his son-in-laws and grandkids, and playing cards with his family and friends. Norman is survived by his wife, Margaret; five daughters: Diane (John) Costello, Shari (Pete) Colwell, Debbie (Rick) Meulemans, LeaAnn (Dan) Meulemans and Donna (Darren) Cornelissen; fifteen grandchildren: Jason, Dani, Shawn, Jesse, Jamie, Nicole, Karie, Jeremy, Tara, Christopher, Chris, Sarah, Tyler, Travis and Ryan; sixteen great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary Hermes, Arlene Blair and Roseanne (Bob) Bastian; his brothers: Bernard (Eleanor), Clarence (Nancy); two sister-in-laws, Janie Bowers and Ann Bowers; and is further survived by his wife’s family: Catherine Schlimm, Frances Smet, Joe (Ceil) Smet, Clarence (Margaret) Smet, and Jack Van Handel. Norman was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lawrence and Lloyd; two sisters and their spouses, Lorraine (Jim) Schillcox, Millie (Roy) Lamers; two brother-in-laws, Cletus Blair and Joe Hermes. He was further preceded in death by his wife’s family: Katherine and Peter Smet, Ed Smet, Marion Smet, Taunce Van Handel, Bud Schlimm, John and Josie Wallace, and Germaine Smet. Friends may call Friday, May 6, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Clare Parish-St. Paul site, Wrightstown, where there will be a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday at church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Robert Kabat officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home, Wrightstown, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank Theda Care at Home Hospice for their compassionate care during his illness. Special thanks to the CNA’s and nurses and volunteers.