Joseph T. Bowser, known as Joe to friends and family, died May 4th at 4:30 a.m. in Cedar Grove Wisconsin. He had been ill for some time and, in God’s grade, died peacefully in the company of his daughter and granddaughter.
Joe was born, along with his twin brother, Jerry on May 22, 1928 to Mae (Hill) and Matthew Bowser. Joe and Jerry and grew up in a large, happy family of eight in, as Joe calls it, the ‘house on the hill’. The family subsequently moved to the country where they had a dog, Prince, who played ‘outfield’ in family baseball games and a pet pig who was ironically named ‘Salomi’. Family recollections suggest that Joe was a bit of a ‘bad boy’ but had a talent for making things fun and interesting!
The twins, Joe and Jerry, attended St. Clements Parish School and graduated from high school in Sheboygan. Joe became the manager at the old Hills Department store. He later attended and graduated from art school while raising a family of four children with his late wife, Marion Ruth (Hintz) Bowser.
While never rich financially, Joe was rich in other ways with his quick wit, snappy repartee and general joie de vivre. His daughter, Cheryl, recalls that no one could make her laugh as hard and long as her father. For example, although in and out of consciousness during a recent hospital stay, Joe responded to Cheryl’s suggestion that he live with she and her husband with a little ‘smirk’, rolling his eyes and saying, “But then I’d have to eat your cooking!” Cheryl, a self-acknowledged poor cook, recalls laughing aloud as did the attending nurses.
Joe had a habit of cheerful whistling which his family and friends recall fondly. He had a wonderful singing voice as did his brothers; family Christmas celebrations were filled joyful song and the traditional phone call and family Barber Shop quartet song to (maternal) Uncle John. Although suffering ill health since age 40, he never allowed that to diminish his joy in life; he sang, whistled and laughed his way through life’s trials and tribulations – of which he had more than his share. He had a strong sense of independence – driving himself to the hospital during a heart attack because he didn’t want to ‘bother’ anyone – which contributed to his longevity and self-sufficiency even in the face of considerable ill health.
He is predeceased by his wife, Marion Ruth (Hintz) Bowser, one son, Timothy Joel Bowser, his parents, Mae and Matt Bowser, and two brothers James and Matthew Jr. He is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Bowser Petersen, J.D., Ph.D., MPP, son-in-law, Robert Petersen, Ph.D., granddaughter, Melissa Petersen, LLM, two sons, Mark Bowser, B.A. and Thomas Bowser, B.A., brothers Jerry, Jack, Jack’s wife LaVerne, Bob, Bob’s wife Dorothy, his sisters Patty and Margie and many nieces and nephews too numerous to list. He will be sadly missed but his spirit will live on in the fond memories of family and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday (TODAY) at 3:00 p.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church by Rev. Richard J. Cerpich assisted by Deacon Michael F. Burch, Parish Director. Family and friends may call at the time of service.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18