Harold Robert “Whitey” Bowman, age 72, of Shawano, began his journey to the spirit world on Thursday, July 23, 2026, peacefully at his home, surrounded by family. Harold was born in Milwaukee on April 23, 1954, to the late Quinton and Evelyn (McGee) Bowman and was an enrolled member of the Mohican Nation.

Harold grew up and attended schools in the Milwaukee area. While in high school, he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps. After high school he joined the Wisconsin National Guard. At age 21, he enlisted with the United States Navy and proudly served 11 years. He was stationed on the USS PIEDMONT during the Vietnam era. Because of his prior military service, he entered his unit as an E-3 Petty Officer and was promoted to the rank of E-5 within the first 4 years of naval service. He was honorably discharged in 1984.

Harold highly recommended military service and shared the following advice, “You wanna see the world, join the Navy. If you wanna see a specific country, join the Army or Marines. But the military life isn’t for everybody. It’s what you put into it, it’s what you get out of it.”

He was a dedicated and proud member of the Mohican veterans, and for a time served as the Adjutant. He remained an active and dedicated participant in the organization until health challenges, limited his involvement.

After his time in the service, he moved to the Bowler area, where he later met the love of his life, Debra Fowler. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were united in marriage on February 5, 1999, in Shawano. Debra brought 3 children into the marriage, and although they were not his by birth, he loved them unconditionally and embraced them as his own.

Harold was employed as an over-the-road truck driver for Hoffman Transit in Gresham for many years. He returned to school and obtained an associate degree in business administration from the College of Menominee Nation.

In his spare time, he loved watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers and enjoyed playing cards. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family and had a wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

Harold is survived by his wife, Debra; children, Devan (Derek) Erdmann, Devona (Robert) Lidbury, and Danae (RC) Bowman Old Coyote; grandchildren, Desirae, Darcie, Dalton, Brayden, Blake, Robert Jr., Brandon, RC Jr., Rhianna, and Jaden; fur baby Jake Bowman; and siblings, Prena Wollenhaup, Stephanie Bowman, Bertha Shepard, Quinton (Shirley) Bowman, and Keith (Karla) Bowman. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Frank, John, Evelyn, and a sister in infancy.

A funeral service for Harold will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Church of the Wilderness in Bowler with Rev. Paul Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and then again at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Military rites will be conducted by the Mohican Veterans and American Legion.

A special thank you to Thedacare Physicians, At Home Hospice, Home Health Care Nurses, and Assistant caregivers for their wonderful care of Harold.