Kenneth Bowman

DULUTH, Minn. - Kenneth Bowman, 80, of Ironwood, Mich., died Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, with his family by his side.

He was born Jan. 14, 1936, in Menominee, Mich., son of the late Harry Basil and Esther Irene (Kamke) Bowman, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1953. He then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1977 in various assignments around the world as a communications center operator and supervisor.

He was selected to act as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the White House Communications Center in Washington, D.C. He accompanied the President, Vice-President and Secretary of State on various trips around the world.

Following his discharge from the Air Force, Ken returned to school, earning his Associate of Arts degree from Gogebic Community College in 1979 and a baccalaureate degree from Northland College in Ashland in 1981.

He was employed as the registrar for Northland College from 1982-'84 before becoming a teacher in the Ironwood Area School District from 1984 to 1989, where he taught English, world literature and sociology. In 1989, he transferred to Northern Michigan University to earn a Master of Arts degree in English. That same year, Ken was hired as an instructor at Gogebic Community College, teaching English, speech, literature, mythology and philosophy until his retirement in 2002.

After retirement, Ken continued to work as a creative writer and editor. He published article series in local newspapers and essay collections. He also was an avid fan of local sporting events, especially those that included his grandchildren; he never missed a game. He loved to read and write as much as he loved the Green Bay Packers and was also a member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5.

On Dec. 13, 1958, Ken was married to the former Barbara Wood.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara, of 57 years; four daughters, Col. (retired) Sandra Keefer, U.S. Army (Tim), Belinda Carroll, Tracey Fahrner and Penny (Bill) Tregembo; grandchildren, Brandon Fahrner (Tori), Amanda Carroll (David), Tara Tregembo (Ross), Amanda Fahrner (Brett), Jesse Carroll, Michael Tregembo, Katelyn Keefer, Sarah Carroll, Ivory Wilson, Kendra Fahrner, Zach Fahrner, Cayden Fahrner and Josh Fahrner; four great-grandchildren, Wylie, Tyler, Jenny and Carson; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann and Sylvia; brother-in-law, Tommy; nephews, Scott (Lynn) Bowman and family and Steve (Dolly) Bowman and family; and numerous cousins.

Besides his parents, Ken was predeceased by his brother, Parnell.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood.

Full military honors will be accorded at 11:30 a.m. by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow at the Elk & Hound on Country Club Road in Ironwood.

Private interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to HOPE Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.