Woodrow Fred Bower's Obituary
Woodrow Fred Bower, 96, of Kenosha, formerly of Chanute, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
He was born on June 18, 1919 to the late Daniel E. and Laura L. (Hodgden) Bower in Chanute, Kansas. He was educated in the schools of Chanute and graduated from Chanute High School. He received his associate degree from Chanute Junior College in 1939. He also was a graduate of the Dale Carnige Course.
Before entering the Army/Air Corps he was a pilot and a flight instructor. He listed on October 20, 1942 serving in the European Theater during WWII as an Air Crew Chief with the Troop Carrier Command and was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946 with a rank of Sgt.
On May 1, 1945 he married Betty Arlene Shepherd. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2004.
Fred worked as a machinist for Martin Tractor for many years, retiring in 1988.
Fred was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was on the board of trustees of the First United Methodist Church Men’s Organization.
Fred was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the VFW, the American Legion and a Past Scout Master of Troop 3.
Fred enjoyed traveling, hiking and reading with family and friends.
Fred is survived by his son Robert B. Bower of Pleasant Prairie, WI and an adopted daughter Arlene, his grandson Joe (Michele) Novotny and his five great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters Golda May Bower, Daniel E. Bower, Arletta Hanson, Hugh C. Bower, Nellie C. Brower, Emmett W. Bower and Ellen E. Knock and his daughter-in-law Patti Bower.
Graveside Services will be held on Monday, October 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated to a Hospice of one’s choice or to the Macula Vision Research Foundation mvrf.org.
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