Douglas William Bower

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 West 1st Street, Ankeny, Iowa 50023.

Doug graduated from Ankeny High School in 1988, where he was a proud member of the Ankeny Hawks football and golf teams. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Promotion from the University of Iowa. Later, he furthered his education at Black Hawk Community College, receiving an Associate’s degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Throughout his career, Doug worked in a number of respected facilities including RehabWorks, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, and Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers. His work reflected his dedication to helping others and his commitment to health and rehabilitation.

Doug’s life took him to many places—Sumter, South Carolina; Ubon, Thailand; Iowa Falls, Iowa; Iowa City; Bettendorf; Etters, Pennsylvania—and eventually back to Ankeny, the place he considered home for much of his childhood and adult life.

Doug married Wendy Schol of Ankeny on April 13th, 1996 and together they raised two beloved children, Gage and Shelby, who brought immense pride and joy to his life.

He is survived by his father, Tom Bower; his brother Mike (Lisa) Bower; his sister Kristen (Shaun) Buck; his children, Gage and Shelby; niece Addison Buck; nephew Hayden Bower; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Bower; and his grandparents, Jim and Kay Bower, and Frances, Ron, and Delores Billman.

Doug had a passion for golf, whether playing a round or watching a tournament. He was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Denver Broncos. A self-taught guitarist, Doug had a deep love for classic rock and found joy in both playing and listening to music.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, and the love he had for his family and friends.