Carl James Bowser

1937 - 2021

Carl James Bowser

April 21, 1937 - June 21, 2021

TUCSON, AZ - Carl James Bowser, age 84, passed away in Tucson, AZ, on June 21, 2021, following a 15-month battle with cancer. Given his lust for life, he bravely tried every potential cure available to him.

He was born in Compton, CA, on April 21, 1937, to Edward James Bowser and Cecelia Marcelene (Mathews) Bowser, who both preceded him in death as did his brother, Edward Earl Bowser.

Having grown up in Southern California, Carl received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Riverside, and his PhD in geology from UCLA. He then joined the Geology Department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He also became affiliated with the Center for Limnology. While the major focus of his research was in the geosciences, he was always intrigued by the way so many scientific disciplines worked together to "tell the whole story." One of his most challenging and rewarding research experiences was his partnership in the Long Term Ecological Research project, which involves numerous researchers at various sites across the United States. Through this work he was introduced to professionals across the scientific spectrum.

During the course of his career, he delighted in being witness to changes in accepted thought in earth sciences, including plate tectonics, and getting to know those responsible for landmark work. His research took him to six continents, including Antarctica. His Antarctic work resulted in the naming of Mt. Bowser. That honor brought great pride to him and his family. His commitment to teaching led him from the classroom to many graduate students' thesis areas. Helping students succeed was of utmost importance to him. He was also committed to welcoming new faculty and making them feel at home.

Carl always said that he had several families, the nuclear family that includes Judy, his high school sweetheart and wife of 61-years; daughters: Kimberly Seipel (Bill), and Deborah Dendy (Howard). He delighted in answering varied questions from those who called him "Papa," grandchildren: Anna Burge (Tim), Lydia Prieur (Gabe), Will and Tim Seipel, and Delaney, Matthew and Jacob Dendy. Carl is also survived by his sister, Lorena Bowser; sister and brother-in-law: Linda and Tim Naccarato; and many nieces and nephews.

Various professional and volunteer activities provided a vast network of professional colleagues, running buddies, photographer friends, gem show and astronomy enthusiasts, plus Symphony and political friends. The close-knit "Camelot" neighborhood in Madison is another family whose ties remain strong. His commitment to teaching and photography stretched into retirement resulting in the development and subsequent instruction of several courses under the auspices of the Center for Photography at Madison.

Music was always part of Carl and Judy's lives. They met when their fathers began singing together in a barbershop quartet. Their support of the Madison Symphony Orchestra led naturally to their love of the Tucson Symphony upon moving to Tucson in 2011. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra and TSO League would become yet another family adding richness and joy to their lives. Carl served on the Board of Trustees for seven years and was later appointed to the TSO Honorary Council.

Carl desired that his remains be used to benefit medical instruction and research. It was mused that he had "one more class to teach."

There was no formal funeral, though a gathering in his memory was held by the extended family while they were together for Christmas.

The family is grateful for all the love and support provided by Casa de la Luz hospice in Tucson during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Symphony Orchestra or the UW Center for Limnology.

Friends are invited to visit together and share memories of Carl on June 28, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Auditorium of the UW Arboretum Visitor Center.