Barbara Ann "Barb" Bowman (Gotham)

Barbara (“Barb”) Ann Bowman, was born on August 12, 1949 in Chippewa Falls to Frederick and Evelyn (Rehm) Gotham. Barb passed away Friday, April 5, 2019 in River Falls.

Barb was a remarkable woman. From the moment he met her in the bookstore at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Barb took George Bowman’s breath away. She was exceptional and amazing and George married her on August 7, 1971 at the United Methodist Church in Bloomer, Wisconsin. Embarking on a life in education together, George encouraged Barb to pursue a Master’s in Elementary Guidance Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After graduating, she spent her career as an Elementary Guidance Counselor at the St. Croix Central School District where, with kindness and compassion, she touched the lives of many.

Barb was a loving and caring mother and wife who poured so much love into many people throughout her lifetime. Never one to sit idle, Barb’s was incredibly devoted to her family and her faith and school communities throughout her lifetime. There were many Christmases that saw Barb at the helm of Giving Tree and Cookie Exchanges. She loved cooking, baking, and spending time with those she loved most. Barb was endlessly kind, compassionate, and spirited. She was always willing to lend a hand and a voice to those in need. Her home and her family were always her focus and she loved traveling with her husband and their three children, Amber, Krista, and Anthony (Tony).

She is preceded in death by her parents: Frederick and Evelyn Gotham. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, George; their children: Amber (James) Garry; Krista (Nathan) Scharer; and Anthony (Kelly Scott) Bowman; brothers: Larry (Diane) Gotham, and David Gotham; and grandchildren: Catherine and Madeline Garry; George and Benjamin Scharer; and Anders Bowman.

George lovingly cared for Barb in the last years of her life as she struggled with Alzheimer’s. Their children are deeply moved by the profound depth of love and devotion they witnessed through George’s caring for Barb.

A funeral service celebrating Barb’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 1:00 PM with a visitation from 10:00 – 1:00 at the Hammond United Methodist Church located at 825 Broadway St in Hammond WI 54015. Burial will be at the Bloomer Cemetery at a later date. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family.