Arnold Charles Bowers

Arnold Charles Bowers (Arnie), age 92, of Pine City, MN, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 25,1933 in Beulah, ND, the son of Charles and Mae (Mott) Bowers. Arnie was one of seven children. Around 9 years of age, the family moved to a farm in Brook Park, Minnesota. He graduated from Pine City High School in1952. His time at North Dakota State University pursuing a degree in Engineering and playing football was interrupted by his Army enlistment.

Arnie and Beatrice (Bea) Smith’s marriage on December 20, 1956 in Munich, Germany lasted 59 years. Bea passed away at home May 28, 2015 leaving Arnie with a broken heart.

After 23 years of service Arnie retired as Sargent Major receiving an Honorable Discharge in June 1970. His service included tours in Germany, Vietnam, Lebanon and Korea. During seven years in the Airborne, he completed over 2900 jumps. Over his career Arnie received numerous recognitions including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Expert Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. In the later years of service he was tapped to pass along his valuable knowledge and experiences assigned to the Senior Army Advisor’s office.

After retiring from the Army, Arnie managed a building supply and construction company for more than 20 years.

Arnie was active in the community including President of the Pine City Lions Club, Chairman for the Pine County Parade, and Boy Scout Committee Chair.

Arnie enjoyed traveling, both within the U.S. and abroad. He took pride in building his family’s home in teaching his family valuable life lessons. He took pleasure in supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Arnie shared his love of the outdoors with his family, creating loving memories of camping, boating trips and fishing. He was especially fond of walleye and salmon fishing spending time at Mille Lacs and in Door County. In winter, he enjoyed snowmobiling and ice fishing with the family.

Arnie is survived by his children Dayne (Ken) Bowers-Dewhurst of Peoria, Illinois; Todd (Catherine) Bowers of Ningbo, China; Rody Jo Bowers of Duluth, Minnesota; grandchildren Travis (Elizabeth) Bowers, Jake Bowers, Lance Bowers, Nicole (Evan) Bowers, Beau (Toni) Hughes, Gabriela (Nate) Smith, Elle (Kole) Hughes and great grandchildren Duke Hughes, Jack Bowers and Colten Smith; brother Boyd Bowers, sister and brother-in-law Gail (George) Soderbeck; along with nieces and nephews.

Arnie is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mae Bowers; loving wife Beatrice Bowers; sisters and brothers-in-law June (Elmer) Gaddes, Joyce (Jerry) Larson; brothers and sisters-in-law George (Opal) Bowers, Gene (Jeannie) Bowers, Patricia Bowers, Dennis Bowers, Sally (Chuck) Browning.

Rev. Dr. Vicki VanderVegt will officiate memorial services for Arnie: 1:00 PM; Sunday (11/16) with a time of visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service, all at Swanson Funeral Chapel. Arnie's interment with Military Honors will take place at Union Cemetery, Hustletown east of Pine City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Arnie's memory may be directed to:  Veterans Memorial Hall, 506 W Michigan Street, Duluth MN 55802 or vets-hall.org.

Funeral arrangements for Arnold Bowers are entrusted to Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel.

FuneralAndCremationService.com