John Edward Bowers

John Edward Bowers, 81, of Belvidere, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 12, 2026.  He was born October 7, 1944, in Fennimore, Wi, the son of Charles and Gladys Bowers.  John graduated from high school and proudly served his country in the United States Army.  On July 27, 1968, he married the love of his life, Geraldine A. “Jeri” Gebhard, in Lancaster, WI.  He worked 33 years at Chrysler in Belvidere, after retirement John spent 12 years driving a bus for the Belvidere Keen Age Center.  John attended St James Catholic Church faithfully.  During his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, golf, horseshoes and playing cards with friends.  John also cherished his summers at Holiday Shores, where he enjoyed playing bags, cards, taking walks around the park, driving the golf cart and sharing conversations with friends and family. 

John is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Jeri Bowers; his daughters, Jill (Jim) Ward and Julie VanderWaal, his grandchildren, Justin (Taylor) Ward, Jenna (James Koronka) Ward, Emily VanderWaal, Jaden (Jaret) Morse, Nathan (Carli Batsel) VanderWaal, and Jaren Ward; his great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Jordan and Jett; his sister, Betty Jeidy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Harry Grimesey, Lloyd Grimesey, Darlene Goodson, Shirley Bechen, Larry Bowers and Donna Kuhlow. 

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.  He will remain forever in our hearts, in our memories and will continue to guide us.

A visitation will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL.  A memorial service will follow at 12:00 P.M., with inurnment at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Belvidere, IL.  Condolences may be share with the family at www.belviderefh.com