Margaret Ann Bowman, age 100, died Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls.
She was born on April 10, 1923, in Lane, South Dakota, to Henry G. and Anna (Meinen) Janssen. Her childhood was spent on a farm near Lane. As a young woman, she lived and worked in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota.
Margaret married Elmer Richard Bowman, of Kenneth, on Oct. 22, 1948, in Lake Wilson. The couple moved to Slayton where they made their home. Elmer passed away July 12, 1957, leaving Margaret to raise their four young children – Gary, Gayle, Susan and Rande. She worked at the Our Own Hardware and was a hostess at the Royal Supper Club during these years.
It was important to Margaret to be involved in her children’s activities. She taught Sunday School, was a Girl Scouts leader and helped with Boy Scouts. She taught her daughters to cook and sew and her sons to hunt and fish.
Margaret was active in her church and women’s circles. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran and Christ Lutheran churches. Margaret also belonged to Iona VFW Auxiliary and Slayton American Legion Auxiliary.
She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, and crocheting. She was especially loved by her grandchildren for the care and the time spent with them, as well as her famous caramel rolls and delicious meals prepared for all.
She moved to Fergus Falls in August of 2013 to be closer to her family. In recent years, she enjoyed scrabble, crossword puzzles, reading, and playing bingo.
Margaret is survived by her daughter-in-law Debra (Gary) Bowman, Brandon, South Dakota; daughters Gayle (Steve) Fitz, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Susan (Bob) Harris, Mason City, Iowa; son Rande (Linda Coury) Bowman, North Mankato, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Chris Bowman (Bonnie Shuck), Becki (Troy) Woehl, James (Nicole) Bowman, Greg (Danielle Meinhardt) Fitz, Jeff (Kate) Fitzkappes, Dan Fitz (John Rosato), Anne Marie Fitz (Elijah Waller), Tino (Elissa) Harris, Pat Harris; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Elmer; son Gary (2015); nine siblings and their spouses; and Elmer’s 11 siblings and their spouses.
A private family service will take place at a later date at Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Luverne.
Memorials will be shared with Pioneer Care Foundation and FLC Visitation Ministry.