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Evanston Township High School Wheeling High School University of Northern Colorado

LEWIS BOWLES Obituary

Lewis Bowles formerly of Arlington Heights Lewis Bowles, passed away on March 2, 2013 in Everett, WA. He was born May 19, 1928, to Beulah and Birwin Bowles in Evanston, IL. He attended Evanston High School and graduated in 1948. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War as a Radar Equipment Foreman and was honorably discharged in 1953. After his service he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Chemistry. He was employed as a research chemist by Maumee Chemical in Toledo, OH, where he met his beloved wife Jean. They married in 1958. In 1965 Lewis pursued a career in education and began teaching at Wheeling High School in Wheeling, IL. In 1973, he started teaching at Buffalo Grove High School, Buffalo Grove, IL. He retired in 1992. After retirement Lewis was very active in Kiwanis, receiving several awards for his service. He also served as an election judge and was active in local politics. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and boisterous laugh that could fill the house. He is survived by his wife Jean and two sons Steven (Melva) of Adelaide, Australia and Gordon (Laura), his beloved grandchildren Samuel and Abigail of Everett, WA; and his step-grandchildren Clinton and Lauren and great grandchildren Mitchell and Patrick of Adelaide, Australia. He was preceded in death by his youngest sister Shirley Stutz and his beloved niece Cindy Elliott (Greg) He is survived by his loving sister Sharon Cameron. He is also survived by his nephews George Stutz (Mary Lou), Robert Stutz (Stacy), Greg Axlen (Joyce), Wesley Axlen (Linda) and his cherished nieces Claudia Hansen (John) and Mary Sharon Kastler (Michael). He was a fond Uncle to many great nieces and nephews in Illinois and Washington. He will be missed by many good and faithful friends. A family service will be held at a later date. Remembrances in his name are suggested to Clearbrook, either online at www.clearbrook.org/tribute or by mail to Clearbrook, Attn: Business Office, 1835 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005.

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Published by Daily Herald on Mar. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for LEWIS BOWLES

25 Entries

Fran ROGERS

March 4, 2019

With fondest memories, rest in peace, dear friend Lew.

January 12, 2014

Mr. Bowles was my AP chemistry teacher at BGHS. I am eternally indebted to him for steering me into the field of chemistry where I went on to get 2 degrees in chemistry. He let us conduct some very exciting experiments in class as well as tricking us into making candy canes for one experiment. Also as a result I am paying forward what Mr. Bowles gave to me as being a high school science teacher as well. My condolences to the Bowles family. Please take comfort in knowing Mr. Bowles affected many lives in a positive manner.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey LaCosse (PhD in chemistry - thanks Mr. Bowles!)
BGHS Class of 1981

Sam Bowles

September 3, 2013

He was my proud and adoring grandfather. Here is how this family works:
I am Gordon's son
Clinton and Lauren are Melva's kids from her first marriage
Mitchell and Patrick are Lauren's kids
Cindy was Shirley's daughter
George, Rob, and Mary Sharon are Shirley's kids
Greg, Wes, and Claudia are Sharon's kids
84 when died

July 28, 2013

Dear Mrs. Bowles and Family,
Mr. Bowles was very important to me in high school. He was there for all 4 years for me. I truly appreciate the advice he gave me, keeping me steady through trying times with words of encouragement, and trusting me. I was his lab assistant for 2 years at BGHS besides having him for chemistry. My best wishes go out to you and your family. I will always remember and cherish those times with him.

Warmest Aloha, Tim Dunne
BGHS Class of 1978

John Cammarato

June 23, 2013

Of the many teachers I had at Wheeling I remember him most as a tough task master...he had a sense of humor too...he chuckled when I referred to him as "Mr. Bowels".

Scotty Bastable

April 29, 2013

In his sophmore Chem class his first day of class story of Freddy the Freeloader led me to give my pal Gene Griffin that nickname - though he was far from a freeloader :)
Sorry for the loss,
Scotty Bastable
BGHS class of '80

April 27, 2013

RIP, Mr. Bowles. Thanks for the fond memories of a tough class at BGHS. I remember it, and your kindness towards me, as I struggled thru the grind of chemistry. You made the class into a wonderful memory. Rest in Peace, Mr. Bowles. In fond rememberance,
Linda Zec

March 18, 2013

Jean and Family,
It is with great sorrow that I send you condolences on the passing of Lew. From the moment I started teaching in 1970 at WHS to when we transferred to BGHS in 1973, to the time Lew retired in 1992, Lew was a tremendous influence on my teaching career. I respected Lew for his knowledge of chemistry, his ability to design teaching strategies, his ability to work with students and colleagues.. and the list goes on. We shared the back room office – and our love of coffee, teaching and students. Lew will always be remembered by me as a gentle, kind man. He will be missed.
Karin (Schloegl) Radtke - now living in Florida.
[email protected]

Jim Gordon

March 14, 2013

Lew and Jerry Doyle were my mentors in the fall of 1966 while I did my student teaching in chemistry education at WHS. I remember him so well for his his subject-matter knowledge, his readiness in sharing that knowledgea, his easy-going ways, his ready humor, and his great empathy for people generally. He was truly an inspiring person as well as a great influence to anyone who aspired to be a chemistry teacher.

Steve, Alison, and Conor Halm

March 13, 2013

Dear Gordon, Laura, Jean, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Lew was a wonderful father and a great teacher. I have many wonderful memories of him and the welcoming home he helped create on Walnut Street.
He is truly missed.
Steve, Alison, and Conor Halm

Rogers Fran

March 13, 2013

Dear Jean & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Lew was a gentle and thoughtful person. As a BGHS colleague, I was blessed to know Lew's kind and caring heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Fran Rogers

John Grabowicz"72

March 13, 2013

I remember him. I had him as my chem teacher. I learned alot in that class. RIP Mr Bowles.

March 12, 2013

Jean- May the love of family and friends carry you through this difficult time. Lew was a great friend and fellow Kiwanian. He sure loved politics and movies. I miss him.

Tom Sanders

March 12, 2013

We will miss our fellow Kiwanian. He had a heart of gold and a sense of humor that could brighten any day.

Joyce Urban

March 11, 2013

Jean--Many memories,It was an honor to have known Lew. My heart is with you. Remember the time we stopped in for a vist in IL. Joyce

Gary Hedberg

March 11, 2013

I hate to do this through this guest book, but Mr. Doyle would you please contact me [email protected] WHS '69

Nancy Conlin

March 11, 2013

Lew, It was such a pleasure working with you early in my career at Buffalo Grove. I really appreciate how welcomed you made me feel.

Rev. David McDonald

March 11, 2013

Mr. Bowles was one of the nicest people on the staff at BGHS. I last saw him when I was in college (a long time ago), but he still had that same, great, infectious laugh that was such a hallmark of his class. I remember the "coffee pot" in his side office across from the lab--a graduated cylinder on a hotplate. I am sorry for the family's loss, but am grateful for the legacy of a very kind man.

Kim (Larson) Schmucker

March 11, 2013

It's been over 30 years that Mr. Bowles was my chemistry teacher at Buffalo Grove and I still remember his laugh! He was just one of those people that you never forget. My condolences to the family.

March 11, 2013

I taught with Lew at BG for many years. I am so sorry for your loss!

Marietta (Chany)Grajek

March 10, 2013

Sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Bowles for Chemistry at Buffalo Grove in'73.

Marietta Chany

March 10, 2013

I had Mr. Bowles for Chemistry at Buffalo in 1973

Gary Hedberg

March 10, 2013

Mr. Bowles, you were my chemistry teacher at Wheeling High School. I learned so much from you. Rest In Peace

Jerry Doyle

March 10, 2013

Lew and I worked as a chemistry teaching team for 8 years at Wheeling High School. Lew knew his lab stuff better thanI did so he set up the experiments and I graded the homework and tests. We had a great time together and kept in touch for years. His laugh was contagious. He had a good life and was a good friend to many around him.

Mark Thoms

March 10, 2013

Mr. Bowles was one of the influences on my life as a teenager growing up in Arlington Heights. He had a great laugh and a contagious smile. I always enjoyed any time visiting the Bowles house. My heart goes out to the entire Bowles Family, especially Jean, Gordon, and Steve!

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