Elwen 'Buddy' Bower

ELWEN "BUDDY" BOWER

Cedar Rapids

Elwen "Buddy" Bower, 88, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of New Tripoli, Pa., died Saturday, July 2, 2016, at his daughter's residence under the care of hospice.

Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Buddy was born March 24, 1928, in Allentown, Pa., to Elwen Ernest and Catherine (Beauchner) Bower. After high school, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was united in marriage to Hilda Pauline Gmoser on June 12, 1945, in Allentown. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Hilda passed away six weeks ago.

A memorial service for Buddy and Hilda was Sunday, July 3, at the country church in New Tripoli, Pa.

Buddy had been a resident of Cedar Rapids for the last three years. He and Hilda were members of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in New Tripoli, Pa., where they were very active in ministry programs. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family in both Iowa and Pennsylvania. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and fishing on the family farm with his brothers and cousins.

He is survived by his daughter, Bunny (Ron) Coffin; grandsons, Nathan and Alex Brandis, both of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Adriana, Carter and Bryanna Brandis; one great-grandchild expected in August; as well as brothers, Charles and Dale Bower, both of New Tripoli, Pa.

Buddy was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Memorials in Buddy's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.