David E. Bower

David E. Bower, age 89, of Orangeville, IL went home to heaven on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

He was born on September 6, 1936, to Geroge and Naomi (Cunningham) Bower on a farm near McConnell, IL. He grew up on various farms near Stockton and Warren, IL. He graduated from Warren in 1955 and joined the Air Force and proudly served his country from 1955-1959. He married Gloria Broege on January 1, 1961, at the Warren Baptist Church where they were active at the church.

They were dairy farmers from 1961 to 1992. David worked for FS (Farm Services) in Lena and Freeport until he retired. He then worked for Swiss Colony seasonally. Together he and Gloria fostered 24 children from 1963 onwards. They ended up adopting and raising 3 children: Carol, Brian and Steven.

David is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Bower of Orangeville, IL, 3 children: Carol Stage of Clinton, IA, Brian Bower of Freeport, IL, and Steven (Deana) Bower of South Wayne, WI, 6 grandchildren: Marcus Bower, Sean Bower, Joshua Bower, David Stage, Noah Bower and Kailie Bower, foster sons: David (Patti) Albright of Jefferson City, TN, Douglas (Sandra) Mathisen and Craig (Serina) Mathisen of Freeport, IL, sisters Judy Browning of Lena and Joy (Larry) Burkhalter of South Wayne, WI, sisters-in-law; Shirley Bower of Monroe, WI, Glenda Linneman of Freeport, IL, Diane (Robert) Leverton of Lena, and many nieces and nephews,

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Naomi, siblings- Larry, Gary and Sharon, brothers-in-law; Clarence Linneman, Dale Browning, and Arlen Broege; and sisters-in-law Dorothy, Betty and Norma Broege and granddaughter- Billie Jean.

A Graveside service will take place at 11:00am, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Zion Cemetery in rural South Wayne, WI. Just off County Road DD on Butts Road.

Pastor Jason Pankonin will be officiating the service.

A memorial has been established in his memory.