George Mowry

GEORGE WILLIAM MOWRY, 76 FREEPORT - George William Mowry, 76, of Freeport, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 16, 2014, exactly one year after the death of his beloved wife, May Mowry. Born November 4, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, George was the youngest son of Amy Elizabeth (Killeen) and George Gregory Mowry. He is survived by sisters, Barbara and Mary, and follows his siblings, Gregory and Pamela to heaven. George graduated from St. Ambrose Academy in 1957, served in the army for two years, and later attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. He received a degree in accounting in 1966. George met Maybel Mary Urmie in Davenport, IA, and they married on December 30, 1965. May and George moved to Freeport in the early 70s. He received his CPA license and eventually opened his own accounting firm. He was later joined by partner, Mike Schindler. George was owner of Feico, Inc., Trophies, Plaques and Awards, and was a partner in Walnut Hill Drive-In Liquor Store. He was fair and honest; accommodating clients whenever he could. It was important to him to frequent his clients' restaurants, shops and services to support them in return for their business. George was an extremely active community member, and participated in the Knights of Columbus, Council 653, the American Legion and the Freeport Chamber of Commerce. George and May were longtime members of St. Thomas Church in Freeport. Everyone loved George. He was generous and had an open mind, an open heart and a great sense of humor (or at least he thought so)! Many considered him to be a good friend and trusted family businessmen. He tried to see the good in all people and he always had a smile and a joke ready. He loved his Irish ancestry, and enjoyed Irish music, traditions and food - especially corned beef and cabbage. George was a big fan of country and polka music and recently had a great time at Oktoberfest in Wisconsin with his children and grandkids. George was an avid reader and liked to debate politics and current issues. He walked regularly, and was often seen around his neighborhood after dinner. Even in his later years he made a point of exercising when he could. Each year George planted and maintained a large garden in his backyard. We'll miss his fresh vegetables-even the zucchini! In recent years, George and May traveled with church tours to Ireland, Italy, Poland, France and Switzerland. Travel and history were two of his great hobbies. George is survived by his sons, Bil Mowry (Carrie) of Eau Claire, WI and John Mowry of St. Paul, MN; daughters Betsy Mowry Voss (Joe Voss) of St. Paul, MN and Lisa Koester (Mark) of Napa, CA; as well as his granddaughter, Natalie; step-grandchildren, Joie, Logan and Maren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 19, at Schwarz Funeral Home on Park Blvd. in Freeport. A rosary service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Schwarz Park Blvd. Chapel. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 20, at St. Joseph's Church in Freeport. Memorials can be made to the "George Mowry Memorial Fund" through Schwarz Funeral Home. Dad, you were taken from us too soon. But we know you are now happy with Mom in heaven! Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. We love you. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.schwarzfh.com.