Carl Bowers Sr.

Carl A. Bowers Sr. - Kaukauna - Age 85, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2021; but not before living a full life and being adored by many. He was born on April 18, 1936, son of the late Ferdinand and Justina (Ebben) Bowers. He married Judy Vande Wettering on Aug. 23, 1960, and had recently celebrated their 61^st anniversary. Carl served his country for several years as a proud member of the United States Army. It was there he had developed a strong work ethic which he used to begin Carl Bowers and Sons Construction. With one small bulldozer and a lot of ambition, he built a legacy that has spanned generations, fostered togetherness, and provided for so many. He had pride in his work which he always did with a smile and his trademark laugh — all the while imparting wisdom and strength to his sons and eventually his grandchildren. Carl was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his loved ones. He was never without a hunting story of going after the big one which he always told with excited eyes and proud words: especially when one of his grandsons was the marksman of the tale. He was fond of going out to breakfast at Rico’s and catching up with his friends. In his free time Carl traveled, attended construction auctions, and soared the skies in his airplane. He was a stubbornly proud Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and quite the athlete himself. He played baseball for the Kaukauna Ghosts throughout high school, winning the state championship his junior year. After high school, he continued playing for many local teams and competed in several 12 inch world fast pitch tournaments. Carl was above all a family man who cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren. Carl is survived by his loving wife: Judy; sons: Carl Jr. (Linda), Bill (Mindy) and Al (Jodie) Bowers; grandchildren: Matthew, Kevin, Adam, Alyssa, Lilly, Isaiah, Elijah, Bo and Bryce; sister: Donna Doolittle; in-laws: Patricia Bowers and Tim (Dort) Vande Wettering; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Carl was preceded in death by his parents: Ferdinand and Justina Bowers; infant daughter: Dorothy Bowers; brother: Roger Bowers; in-laws: Dave Doolittle, Rosie (Roman) Kolbe, Mary (Kenny) Wells, Dorothy (Bernard) Coppus and Leroy Vande Wettering. Funeral services were held Oct. 25 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna, with Fr. Don Everts officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. The Bowers family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Paul Elder Services and to Dr. Russo and his staff for all of the wonderful care that Carl received. Also, a thank you to their family and friends for all of the support during this difficult time.

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna 766 2099, www.verkuilenfh.com