Harold 'Swede' Bowers

Harold Swede' Bowers, age 95, of St. James, Minnesota passed away on Friday, January 21st, 2022 at Seasons Healthcare Center in Trimont, Minnesota. A private family service will be held in St. James at the Sturm Funeral Home on January 27th, 2022 with Deacon Lyla Klee officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the St. James Veterans Honor Guard will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetery. Harold Dean Bowers was born May 18th, 1926, in Spencer, Nebraska to Sid and Mary (Kerbel) Bowers. They then moved to Minnesota when he was a child. He proudly served in the US Navy as a Gunner, for two years during WWII. Harold and Donna Mae Cottew were united into marriage on September 8th, 1948. Together they had four children, Darrell, Darla, Peggy, and Becky. Most of his life was then spent on their farm in rural St. James, where he farmed, milked cows, raised hogs and did custom corn shelling. Later moving to town in 2012. Swede served on the United Methodist Church Council, Midland Board, and was a 4-H leader. He enjoyed polka dancing, playing cards, fishing, visiting with family and friends, traveling, and wintered in Arizona for many years. He took pride in being a perfectionist, hard worker, and a great storyteller. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife Donna, of 73 years, Daughters Darla Bowers (Mike Mingo), Tempe, AZ, Becky (Kevin) Werner, Mason City, IA, Daughter-In-law Janine (Jim) Tighe, St. James, MN, Sisters Betty (Connie) Lewis, Fairmont, MN, Phyllis (Delvin) Meyer, Mankato, MN, Grandchildren Brad (Jennie) Bowers, Michelle (Matt) Friesen, Luke (Lindsey) Bowers, Landon Bowers, Nate (Mari Laine) Wellnitz, Andrea Wellnitz (Joe Veigel), and 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his children Darrell and Peggy, his parents Sid and Mary, his stepmother Muriel, his brother Ray Bowers, sister Lorraine Jansick and his in laws.