Karen Rochelle Bowman

Born December 22, 1939 in Pekin to Jerry and Shirley (Wagner) Smith, she married James “Jim” Lang Bowman, Jr. on July 20, 1958 in Pekin. He died January 5, 2021 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Janet and her nephew, Eric.

Surviving are one son, James (Karen) Bowman of Manito; one daughter, Diana (Keith) Stevens of Salt Lake City, Utah; six grandchildren, Michael Bowman, Darius (Adria) Jones, Chris (Katie) Curtis, Richard Bruder, Amber Bruder and Karrie Bruder; 15 great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Jenavieve, Tallulah, Ryan, Julie, Hailey, Addison, Javin, Elizabeth, Logan, Lucas, Ezra, Abraxis, Vanellope and Raven and one great-great-grandchild due in April.

She was graduate of Pekin Community High School where she was a member of the synchronized swim team.

Karen had worked at American Chain & Cable Co. for 20 years. She had previously worked at Ashland Chemical in Mapleton and Illini Welding in Pekin right out of high school. She also worked as an Avon saleslady for many years.

She enjoyed playing Bingo and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Manito Lodge and their staff, Willow Ridge Hospice, especially Megan Keeler for her great care of our mother and Pastor Abraham Mogerman.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Abraham Mogerman will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com