Robert Paul Bowman

He was born on Dec. 1, 1931, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., the son of the late Paul and Caroline (Kelly) Bowman.

Robert attended the University of Michigan where he met the love of his life, Lorraine Butler, who preceded him in death in 2011. While obtaining a bachelor’s degree in forestry, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Phi fraternity and the University of Michigan Marching Band, playing in the 1951 Rose Bowl. After graduation he married Lorraine before being deployed by the U.S. Army to serve in Japan. Upon his return from service, he began his 38-year-long career in forestry with Kimberly Clark (Champion Timberlands).

Robert enjoyed a fulfilling life; he raised three children, was active in the Methodist Church, and was an avid photographer who even developed his own pictures. He was a duplicate bridge Life Masters (with wife Lorraine) in the American Contract Bridge League. Robert enjoyed a home in Spread Eagle, Wis., and one in Lake Tahoe, Calif., and continued to attend Golden K activities until the end.

He is survived by his children, Linda (Dave) Bertola, Judy (Theron) Johnson and William (Jean Ann) Bowman; four grandchildren, Bryan (Michele) Bertola, Gina (Steve) Tomasino, Maddison Bowman and Alec Bowman; and three great-grandchildren, Bo Bertola, Isabella Tomasino, and Juliana Tomasino.

The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Assisted Living.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.