Billy Ray Bowser
April 19, 1934 ~ August 5, 2010
Billy Ray Bowser, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospital surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Shelly Bowser, Connie (Bill) Dvorak, Scott (Cindy) Bowser, Cyndie (Bob) Nelson, Dan Novak, and Laurie (Rupert) Novak-Ellis; a brother, Gary (Kay) Bowser; ten grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. Bill was born on April 19, 1934, the son of Clarence and Mildred (White) Bowser in Norway, Iowa. He graduated from Norway High School and became a self employed contractor. Bill later worked for Coe College for 28 years, retiring in 1995. He married Mary Kathryn Novak on April 17, 1971. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jim; and a son, Brad.
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We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Bill riding his bike in the neighborhood. He was a wonderful man.
Gary, Kay, and Bowser family,
We were so sorry to learn of Billy’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
You’ll be missed very much. My sympathy and thoughts to all.
Jeannine and I have often thought about Bill and we will continue to do so in the future. He was a good friend for many years and our memories of good times with him are many. Our sympathy to Mary and all of Bills loving family Bud and Jeannine
I am sorry for your loss. Bill will be greatly missed. my thoughts and prayers are with you. dawn
Sorry to hear of Billys death. As kids growing up we were quite close, but we both went different ways.
Ralph Long
Green Valley, AZ
Bowser and Novak family–
Please accept our sincerest condolences at this time. We were very sorry to hear Bill had passed away. Please find comfort in knowing others are thinking of you at this sad time.
We are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts go out to Mary and the entire family. As we think back on our time spent with Bill many fond memories come to mind. As we think about them they all have one thing in common. The Garage. Many evenings were spent in that garage on B Ave discussing anything that came to mind, pitching horse shoes, and the occasional nip of Black Berry Brandy. We were not part of the family but Bill and Mary made us feel like we were. Bill was a great man and we will all miss him. John and Connie
Mary & Family word cannot tell you how sadden I was to see the news of Bills passing.So mant wonderful memories of out time together. Mary when you are up to talking please call me-550-2381.Know my love & thoughts are with you.–Love LeeAnn
I’M SO SORRY TO HERE OF BILLS PASSING ! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.I GREW UP WITH THE BOWSERS WHEN THEY MOVED TO B AVE.I WAS ONE OF BRADS BUDDYS !! THE LAST TIME I SPOKE TO BILL WAS WHEN I CAME TO C.R. BACK IN 2004. MAY HE REST IN PEACE !! KIM FOREMAN
Cyndie, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Dave & Carol Rogers and family
I have not seen Uncle Bill for probably 35 years, but news of his death saddened me for him and his family. He’s part of my memories growing up in Cedar Rapids, as are Millie, Jim, and my cousins. I remember him showing me around Coe College with his impressive ring of keys. Uncle Bill & his family are in my prayers.
Dan Sannes
Mom had told me about Bills’accident so I have been aware of what you all have been going through. You have my thoughts and prayers for strength to get you through each day.
We did not keep in touch even though we are first cousins. Our father’s were brothers. I am sad to hear of his passing. He did some carpentry work for our parents a long time ago. He did beautiful work. Please keep us informed as to when the celebration of his life will be.
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COUSIN BILL AND I WERE ALMOST THE SAME AGE, HE BEING A FEW MONTHS OLDER AND EVERY TIME WE GOT TOGETHER THROUGH THE YEARS OF GROWING UP (AND EVEN AFTER), HE ALWAYS LOVED TO TEASE ME ABOUT ONE THING OR ANOTHER. I REALLY CARED FOR HIM AND AM SO SORRY THAT WE WERE UNABLE TO SEE MORE OF EACH OTHER IN OUR LATER YEARS.
Mary & family… We are sorry of reading of Bills passing away… We sure enjoyed you guys camping.. Many good memories. Our deepest sympathy Janie and Wayne Miller
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Many memories from the days in Norway, IA
Billy Boy ,
I’ll miss our late night talks in your garage. The beautiful flowers you planted for me, (I mean Mary)to enjoy!
And the wonderful “Grampa Bill” you were for my kids.
I love you, & miss you.
Suzie Q
Bill will always be the man who sold me my first motorcycle, it means as much to me as it did him. This will be the bond we share.
It is my honor to know Billy.
What a wonderful person. My prayers and thoughts go out to Mary and the family.
Oh, Mary—we are so shocked and saddened to learn of your loss. You and Bill did so much for Mother and Daddy (1551 B Ave) and they thought so much of you. Daddy had great visits with Bill out in the garage! Every time something bad would happen, Mother would call you and Bill–and you’d call 91l. Bill, you are now another angel in Heaven, watching over your wonderful family. If my sister, Gerry, in Solon hadn’t e-mailed me about Bill, I don’t know how Duane and I would ever had learned of your loss, as we are in Missouri now. Mary, we hold you in our hearts and will keep you in our prayers. With love and deepest sympathy, Judy and Duane and family
Mary, I just learned about Bill when we returned from vacation and began reading the stack of newspapers. I notified my sister, Judy Conrad, who lives in Missouri. You and Bill were such good friends to our parents, Nita and Ted Lorenzen, who lived almost next door. Our Dad was older and wanted to stay in their home, so Bill helped him continually with all the tasks it took to keep up that big old house at 1551. When Daddy collapsed at age 9p and refused to go to the hospital, only Bill was able to persuade him to go. You both were a great comfort to Mother after he was gone. We are so sorry. Gerry and Dave Johnston
i didn’t know him very well but all i know is that he was very nice and friendly!
Madeline Dvorak =my mom told me to write this for her Connie Dvorak= i was proud to be bill Boswer’s daughter.i regret i wasn’t a better one. he was a good man.a great father.i will greatly miss him.
Connie Dvorak
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I wish to extend my sympathy to his entire family. I pray time will soon be your friend again and you can recall the wonderful moments you shared.
I miss you Grandpa, I think about you everyday. I hope you’re with me on my bike rides and enjoy them with me. Thanks for the beautiful sunny days on my days off! Watch over Grandma for me. Love you!
i miss u grampa and i think of you every day!!
Billy Ray Bowser was my fathers name. My condolences in my fathers name.
I miss you very much.