Richard Bowman

Richard Bowman, 77, of Kalamazoo died peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Rich was born on June 24, 1947 in Mattawan, MI to Mary (Aleksich) and Fred Bowman Sr. He attended Mattawan schools. He grew up on his parents’ farm where they raised black angus cattle, bandy chickens, as well as crops including grapes, alfalfa, and corn. He worked alongside his two brothers: Fred Bowman Jr. (Ann) and John Bowman (Renee). Rich also assisted his mother with the large garden that grew a variety of vegetables and flowers.

After his father’s death, he lived with his mother and became more active in his role managing the farm. Following his mother’s passing, he lived independently until 2008 when he moved to Park Village Pines where he was lovingly cared for by their kind staff including their activities director, Penny Adelfang.

Rich was a long-time employee of Welch Food Inc. where he worked for 38 years in the production of grape juices and jellies. Early on he commuted on his Honda 80 scooter and later by car. He made several lifelong friends there.

In life, Rich particularly enjoyed spending time with his 9 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. He loved to tease and joke with them, always generating smiles and laughs.

One of Rich’s most enduring friends was Sis Root who was a long-time friend of his mother. She was very close to Rich, taking him on trips to get ice cream, gardening together, conversing on the phone and writing literally hundreds of cheerful cards to him.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, and nieces: Michelle Bowman and Kelly Moustakeas (her surviving spouse Dimitri Moustakeas). He is survived by his brothers: Fred (Anna) Bowman Jr and John (Renee) Bowman; and his nieces and nephews: Jeff Bowman, Tracy (Jim) Potter, Greg (Becky) Bowman, Tammy (Craig) Walczyk, Ashley (Greg) Maher, Cody (Emily) Bowman, and Zachary Bowman; and great nieces and nephews: Brianna Potter, Kari (Josh) Goldberg, Tory (Tyler) Evans, Katy Moustakeas, Max Walczyk, Strati Moustakeas, Taylor Bowman, Jake Walczyk, Grace Maher, Lucas Maher, Austin Bowman, and Brooks Bowman; and great-great nephews: Walter Evans and Otis Evans.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Centrica Care Navigators for their compassionate care.

Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 28, at 11 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI. Visitation is scheduled one-hour prior to the mass at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Celebrate Rich’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.