Bowers, Vincent Vain

WAUKON - Vincent Vain Bowers, 86, of Waukon, died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah following a brief illness. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, with visitation one hour before services. Deacon Patrick Malanaphy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Postville Cemetery.

Vincent was born May 3, 1924, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Alfred and Clara (Sprague) Bowers, and attended country schools. He was a veteran of World War II. He served in the United States Army in Africa and Italy and was honorable discharged. Vincent was united in marriage to Helen Carnicle. Two sons were born to the union. Helen passed away in December 1960. Vincent then united in marriage to Beulah Jean Brainard on May 6, 1966, in Waukon. Beulah passed away in April 1995.

Vincent became a carpenter, and built many farm buildings and houses, including a houseboat with his three brothers. He also got his private pilot's license. He worked for many years as a bricklayer for Seedorf Masonry, where he built many buildings, including the Dakota dome, malls, churches and schools throughout the country until retirement. He cut down his own trees to make the furniture, crafts, and toys he sold in Northeastern Iowa. He was a member of the American Legion in Strawberry Point. In his later years he took up golf and played many rounds each day, achieving two holes in one. He was always about putting things together.

During his last three years he enjoyed using his computer, often skyping with this grandchildren. He enjoyed taking pictures with this camera, putting together many picture puzzles and watching Western movies.

He was a loving father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his son, Larry (Judy) Bowers, Marion; four grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Dougherty, Cedar Rapids, Jennifer Bowers, Marion, Benjamin (Kristi) Bowers, Cedar Rapids, and Jay (Ella) Bowers, Omaha, Neb.; seven great-grandchildren, Ariel, Aubree, Jake, Claire, Harper, Max Vincent and Ellery; and one brother, Al (Mariam) Bowers, Brainard, Minn.

Vincent was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Helen and Beulah; one son, Francis Bowers in July 1996; and two brothers, Howard Bowers and Francis Bowers.

We would like to thank his  friend, WillaDean; Horizon Village and the Aase Haugen Home staff for their wonderful compassion and friendship to Dad.

Condolences may be left with

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville is in charge of arrangements.