Leona Sarah Bowman, age 96, of Gresham, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at home, surrounded by her family.
Leona was born in Morgan Siding on April 6, 1920, the second of 16 children, to the late Louis and Mary (Bowman) Burr.
She had a happy childhood and her family always had what they needed.
She attended Lutheran Indian Mission School until 8
th
grade and as she got older, enjoyed going to dances.
Prior to meeting her future husband, Leona worked at Sturgeon Bay Shipyard and as a housekeeper in Green Bay.
On February 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to Clarence "Gobe" Bowman, who preceded her in death in October of 1989.
While maintaining a Christian home and marriage, Leona and Gobe raised six children, and opened their home to two boys for a period of time.
As an American Indian woman, during a time when discrimination was a barrier for all minorities, she set-up and operated a successful self-run farming business.
She broke down many barriers so that her family, whom she loved unconditionally, could have a great life.
Leona loved the sunshine, going for rides, singing, listening to music, polka dancing, attending church and spending time with her family and friends.
She enjoyed teaching, sharing and caring for her family, friends, neighbors and community and will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
Leona is survived by: her children, Nathalee "Dutch" Kristiansen, Rhonda (Bob) Bowman, Carolie Miller, Quinton "Ringo" (Cindy) Creapeau, Sr. Lloyd (Molly) Fredenberg, and Bert (Leslie) Fredenberg; numerous grandchildren including Dr. Jolene (Sam) Bowman, Terry (Theresa) Miller, Richard (Roxane) Miller, Quinton Creapeau, Jr., and Elizabeth (Michael) Kelley; great grandchildren, including Delores, Tyler, Darius, Christopher, Marcus, and Atiyah; her siblings, Burdette Burr, Bill (Pat) Burr, Robert (Georgia) Burr, Donna Burr and Jermain (Woody) Davids.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Gobe" Bowman, her parents, siblings, Ralph "Sonny", Boyd, Gordon, Sidney, Lou, Jerry, Bud, Berga, June, and Jeanette; and two sons-in-law, Terry Miller and Leif Kristiansen.
Funeral services for Leona will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Morgan Siding with Rev. Roy Rinehard officiating.
Burial will be in Gresham Public Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham on Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and again at the church on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of the services.
