Howard “Ed” Bower
Howard “Ed” Bower
Howard “Ed” Bower
September 15, 1941 – March 21, 2024
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 82
Howard “Ed” Bower, 82, of Oskaloosa, died Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born September 15, 1941, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Fred and Edith Johnston Bower.
Ed graduated from St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Harper, Iowa. He continued his education at Wentworth Military College in Lexington, Missouri.
In 1966, Ed married Mary Lou Sieren.
Ed served in the Iowa National Guard from 1964-1968. In 1968, Ed started his farming career. He farmed full-time until 1983, when he then started working in the insurance industry. For the next 30 years Ed owned and operated a successful insurance agency retiring in 2013. Ed truly enjoyed working with his insurance clients and the relationships he cultivated throughout his career.
Ed enjoyed farming, gardening, canning, working out doors, football, dancing, and traveling. He was also an avid antique collector. During his cancer journey he always kept a positive attitude and said numerous times “I’ve lived a good life”. He was grateful for his time on earth with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a fun and charismatic guy with a great sense of humor.
His family includes his four children: Elizabeth Bower of New York, New York, Teri (Joe) Lickteig of Pella, Dan (Kathi) Bower of Cedar Falls, and David (Melissa) Bower of Oskaloosa; seven grandchildren: Mitch Bower, Alice Lickteig, Josie Lickteig, Madison Bower, Shelby Bower, Bennett Bower, and Genevieve Bower; two sisters, Patricia Wade of Iowa City and Rita (Dallas) Barnett of Texas; a brother, Charles (Mariellen) Bower of Riverside, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Elaine Bower of the Quad Cities; and many nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bernard Bower; and a brother-in-law, Ron Wade.
A private family celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
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