Thomas Bowers

Thomas Louis Bowers (Tom), age 73, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on Thursday, Jan 26, 2017. Tom was born in Stockton California on October 14, 1943, to Delmar and Marjorie (Gydesen) Bowers. He graduated from North St. Paul High School and received an Associate of Arts degree from Lakewood Community College. Tom was married to Terry Gadbois, they had 3 children. In December of 1994 he married Kathy Melin. Tom was an avid outdoorsman and loved history. From that grew his love and interest in black powder rendezvous. He and Kathy lived many nights under canvas at events in the high plains of the western United States. Tom met some of his closest friends on the rendezvous circuit. After his friend “Red” lost his life to cancer, Tom created Red’s Challenge, a fund to help other rendezvous friends in times of crisis. At the annual Red Maple Rendezvous on the Bowers property, Tom (affectionately known as Grumpy) invited 8th graders from Grantsburg to shoot black powder guns, throw tomahawks, and learn other skills of life in the 1800’s. He loved to teach! Tom taught fly fishing at Community Ed classes and helped organize a black powder gun making class. He shared his interest of fly fishing, archery, and black powder guns with anyone who would listen. Tom took pride and ownership in the community. He and his friend Larry Larrabee spent a week each summer preparing and shooting fireworks at the annual Watercross event for 30 years. Tom and Kathy were foster parents to over 20 special individuals who found a home with them whether for a weekend, a month, or years. Tom was an avid reader, a gift that he received from his mother. They shared and exchanged books for a lifetime. He also had a passion for hosting and cooking for both family and friends. In the last 3 years, he provided over 1,400 reports as a WCCO Weather Watcher. Later in life, he followed a dream by opening 45 Degrees North, a fly-fishing business. Those hours on the river introducing so many people to the outdoors, new and experienced, meant a great deal to him. He loved to have fun – whether it was organizing a golf tournament, camping with friends, or hosting events at Grumpy’s Tavern. He enjoyed life and will be greatly missed. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Delmar and mother, Marjorie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; children: Tim (Julie), Trisha Crandall (Casey), and Travis (Sarah); 5 grandchildren: Christian, Coleson, Charlotte, Ella, and Olivia; and sister, Linda Smith (J. Patrick). He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Trudy Cowman (Charles), Kristi Larson (Bruce), and Lauri Nelson (Jim); and brothers-in law: Bob Melin (Teresa), Jim Melin (Patty), Rick Melin, and Don Melin; many nieces and nephews and their children; and special foster daughter, Misty Heier. Visitation to be held on Saturday, February 4th from 10:00 -11:00 am, and Celebration of Life at 11:00 am at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg. Reception to follow at Hummer’s Rendezvous Event Center. Memorials to the American Cancer Society are greatly appreciated.