Mike Bowles

Michael Dean Bowles was born January 14, 1957 and died suddenly July 1, 2023 at the age of 66. Mike was playing a round of golf, a game he loved, with friends on vacation when he suffered a heart attack. The B, Mike, Honey Bee, Dad, Papa, Brother, Friend. He was all these and beloved by many.

He grew up in Zurich, Switzerland and Midland, Michigan. He continues to have lifelong friends from Midland where he attended H.H. Dow High School. He attended WMU for his BS in Applied Behavior Analysis (’79) and MS in Organizational Behavior Management (‘81). He made lifelong friends during those years in college with the House of Gonzo friends. He met his wife, Laurie, during college. They married in 1981 and just celebrated their 42nd anniversary in June. They raised two sons, Brent and Evan, who he loved and enjoyed time with. He was so proud of their families. He was crazy in love with his two grandchildren, Samuel (6) and Hannah (4). Mike has a younger brother, Mitchell Bowles. He enjoyed the times they were able to get together.

Mike and Laurie were able to enjoy many little getaways to longer vacations with friends and family over the years. The ability to maintain friendships, was important to him.

Mike was an ever-hopeful Detroit sports fan. He liked to play pickleball, listen to his music way too loud, meet up yearly with his hunting buddies, try craft beer, and an occasional cigar. His greatest passion was golf, a game he loved for the sport and the companionship on the course. His distinctive style, marked by his trademark orange attire, was unmistakable. Mike had a fun sense of humor and a most joyful infectious laugh. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Laurie; their sons: Brent (Ashley) and Evan (Rachel); his grandchildren: Samuel and Hannah; and his brother, Mitchell. Please join on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11 am for a Life Story Service at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception where food, drinks and stories will be shared will be held immediately following the service in the Life Story Center.

Visit Mike’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.