William Michael Bowe, 85

William Michael Bowe, 85 of Austin died Tuesday , Nov. 19, 2002 at Austin Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 4, 1917 to William Patrick and Margaret (Dwyer) Bowe in Chatfield where he grew up and attended school.

He married Alice Peterson on Oct. 15, 1940 in Preston.

During his three and a half years in the Army he served in the 81st (Wildcat) Division, stationed in the Hawaiian Islands, Augar Island, Paulau Islands, New Caledonia, the Philippines and Japan.

The Bronze Star and Purple Heart were among the many medals he was awarded.

After his discharge William worked as a farm laborer for two years and began his employment at Hormel Foods Aug. 2, 1948.

His last area of work was in the lard room nights for 31 years before he retired November 28, 1980.

A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the VFW, William enjoyed fishing, gardening and farming.

He entered St. Mark's Lutheran Home in September.

Survivors include his wife Alice Bowe; daughters Mary (Frank) Dennison, Beverly (Larry) Ingersoll and Wanda (Tom) Engelman all of Austin; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; one great-great-grandson; two brothers Francis Bowe, Rochester, Paul (Rosie) Bowe, Golden Valley; sisters Pauline Witt, Kenyon, Rosemary Johnson, Greenwood, Ind., Loretta (Harry) Askerud, Austin, Betty (Don) Rude, Austin; sisters-in-law Edith Bowe, Chatfield; brother-in-law Charles (Betty) Peterson, Sun City, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nellie Dunn, brothers Joe, Robert and Jimmy and one great-granddaughter Jessica Haskin.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at Worlein Funeral Home and at the church one hour before the service.

Service: 1:30 p.m., Friday, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ronald Barnett officiating.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

Funeral Home: Worlein Funeral Home, Austin.