Howard L. “Ike” Bowman

Howard L. “Ike” Bowman, 91, of Dubuque, IA, and formerly of Galena, IL, and Tulsa, OK, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at his home. A celebration of life will take place at 7 PM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena. Friends are invited to gather starting at 5 PM until the service begins. The burial will occur at a later date, and cremation rites have been respectfully honored. Howard was born on January 2, 1934, in Strawberry Point, IA, to Milton and Berneice (Stone) Bowman. He married Verda Green in 1951; after parting, he married Eleanor Russell in 1975. Throughout his life, he held various jobs, including working at the Savanna Army Depot, a powder monkey while blasting the East Dubuque railroad tunnel, baker, local milkman, over-the-road truck driver, and trucking dispatcher. While he took great pride in his diverse work history, his greatest joy came from spending time with his large family. He especially looked forward to the family fish fries. Howard was a lifelong Bears fan. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his ex-wife, Verda; his daughters, Marcie (Dave) Koziczkowski, Sue (Brian) Roddick, Debbie (Don) Rury, Teresa (Robert) White, and Tammy (Tony) Goodman; his sons, Howard (Julie) Bowman, Jason (Liz) Bowman, Kevin (Tammy) Greiner, and Marcus (Kari) Bowman; twenty-four grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Kathi (Richard) Flies and Sonia (John) Simons. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for their guidance and support, particularly to Melissa, Buffy, Jennie, Kris O., Julie, Shay, and Peggy. Your care and compassion will always be remembered. The family requests no flowers.