Marilyn Jean (Rickert) Bowers

Marilyn J.(Rickert) Bowers, 84, a resident of Keweenaw Bay, MI, passed away Monday evening, May 22, 2017 in Houghton, MI. She was born in Appleton, WI on September 9, 1932, to Eugene and Berniece (Hooyman) Rickert. She was a graduate of Appleton West High School Class of 1949. On February 3, 1951, she was united in marriage to John A. Bowers at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Appleton, WI. John passed away June 24, 2016, and is greatly missed.

Marilyn was a courageous wife of a career military officer during the trying times of the Cold War, Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era. She was an exemplary military wife never knowing when and where her husband was to be deployed. Marilyn followed her husband domestically and abroad, lovingly caring for John and the children. She loved her country and was proud to be an American. After John retired, they settled in the Marinette, WI area. Marilyn started her career as the quintessential Estee Lauder Consultant at H.C Pranges/Younkers in Marinette and was well known for over 30 years. She moved to Keweenaw Bay, MI in 2016 to be close to family after losing John. Marilyn loved bird watching, gardening and knitting. She was a member of American Legion Post #146 in Menominee, MI and the Red Hat Society in L’Anse, MI.

She is survived by her children, daughter, Cheryl (Fritz) Harris, Green Bay, WI; son, Steven (Jane) Bowers, Westerville, OH; and daughter, Michelle (Curtis) Sutherland, Keweenaw Bay, MI. Grandchildren, Frederick (Tara) Harris and their children Lily, Sebastian and William, Chicago, IL; Elinor (Shane) Breitenbach and their children Collin, Leland, Henry and Emmet, Cecil, WI; Andrew (Courtney) Bowers and their daughter Ryleigh, Carrollton, TX; Alex Bowers, Westerville, OH; and Anna Sutherland, Keweenaw Bay, MI. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Susan and Tom Harris, Escanaba, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; infant children, Michael, Debra and Joseph; parents, Eugene and Berniece Rickert; a sister Geraldine Woeckner; and brother, John E. Rickert.

Visitation will be held at Jacobson Funeral Home, L’Anse, MI on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Funeral mass to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse, MI at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Corey officiating. Fellowship and lunch immediately following at the church. A private burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton, WI.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Omega House in Houghton, MI in Marilyn’s name. The Omega House provided Marilyn compassionate end of life care. (2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931)

Recipe for an Army Wife

1 ¼ Cup Patience
1 Tsp. Courage
1 lb. Adaptability
1 ¼ Cup Tolerance
Dash of Adventure
Splash of Humor

Combine above ingredients, add 2 tablespoons of elbow grease, let sit for one year alone. Marinate frequently with salty tears. Sprinkle ever so slightly with money. Knead dough until payday. Season with international spices. Bake for 20 years or until done. Serve with PRIDE!!!

Friends may sign Marilyn's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com