In Remembrance

Michael Gordon Bowes 1937 – 2024

Michael G. Bowes – 87 y/o of Duluth, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sept 11, 2024.

Mike was born in St. Paul, MN on April 25, 1937, to Hillford G. and Kathryn L. (Dittis) Bowes. He was raised in Duluth, MN where he graduated from East High School in 1955. He went on to Graduate from UMD with a BA in Business in 1960. While in college, he married his high school sweetheart Marilyn L. Jensen. In 1962 Mike and Marilyn moved to St. Paul and then to Lake Elmo, MN in 1973 where they raised their four children.

Mike started his career with Ford Motor Company then went on to work at Burlington Northern Railroad where he Retired after 30 years as the Director of Purchasing and Materials. Mike and Marilyn enjoyed 20+ years of travelling the world after retirement. They had so many great friends to visit and went to so many interesting places. They led the Good Life.

He was a “hands on” Dad who spent much of his time carpooling his kids to their various sports and activities. For many years he helped tabulate all the scores at Shelly’s gymnastics competitions. He was fiercely competitive and in addition to cheering us on, he enjoyed his own activities. He loved downhill skiing and taught us all to ski. When Cindy was too small for a pair of “hand me down” skis, he just cut the backs off. This sent her spinning in circles as she tried to stop. Dad loved to watch and play tennis. He started playing the game with Marilyn at Longview courts and then played at UMD. He taught all his children to play tennis and played well into his 70’s. Mike and Marilyn spent many winters in Tucson playing in tennis leagues, enjoying good friends and soaking up the Sun. He took up running later in life and Sarah encouraged him to run the Twin Cities Marathon with her when he was in his 50’s – which he was proud to finish! He also enjoyed fishing and took Toby on several trips to Canada which influenced Toby’s lifelong passion for the Outdoors.

Summers were spent with his family – first at the Cabin he built on Big Pine Lake and later at their home on Middle Eau Claire Lake in Wisconsin. Whether Toby was hooking Dad’s ear with a lure, the grandkids were waterskiing behind a Jet Ski, or we were hitting tennis balls as a family in Barnes – the summers were always a great time. He provided his family with fun and beautiful places for ALL to gather. It was these summers that promoted a closeness between his grandchildren that we truly cherish.

Mike and Marilyn chose to take each one of their eleven grandchildren on a special trip when they turned 13 y/o. The grandchild got to pick the place (like NYC, Florida and California). And, like each grandchild, all the trips were so different and so special. Such wonderful memories for them to hold on to.

Mike was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend. He was a joy to be around and had a way of making everyone smile with his great sense of humor, quick wit and all the crazy faces he made and hats he wore!! We will remember him with love and laughter – forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children – Toby (Sandy) Bowes, Michelle (Jay Yeakle) Anderson, Sarah (Jim) Benning, Cindy (Mike) Lund. His grandchildren – Andrew, Ben and Carson Bowes, Alex and Elliot Anderson, Joseph (Maeggie) Benning and Maggie Benning, Anthony, Veronica, Sam and Mikie Lund. His great-grandchildren – Veda Lund, Jack and Rowan Benning, Mason and Silas Kvale. As well as his sister Helen (Jim) Elieff.

Michael is preceded in death by his father Hillford and his mother Kathryn Bowes

The Bowes family will have a private gathering to celebrate his life.