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Harvey W. Bowles Jr.
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Harvey Bowles Obituary
The life and times of a man known for great humor and a little bit of sarcasm.
Harvey Bowles Jr., former University of Toledo wrestling coach and member of the UT Athletic Hall of Fame, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Toledo Hospital, of respiratory failure. He was 84 years old.
Harvey was a born athlete, evidenced in his years at Whitmer High School. At 17, he began a life long friendship with former wrestler, Dick Torio. After his graduation from the University of Toledo, he opened the Women's Health Club, adjacent to Torio's. Harvey was the Head Wrestling coach at The University of Toledo from 1974 to 1994. In addition to his work with Dick Torio, Harvey was Vice President at the APRN company for over 30 years.
A legendary story teller, professional dispenser of sarcasm, and all around fighter with a heart of gold, reluctantly exited this life. Known for his quick wit and even quicker comebacks, he spent much of his life entertaining friends with stories that improved slightly with every telling.
Harvey married Judy Grosjean, also a UT graduate, in November of 1966.
In January, 2011, Harvey succumbed to a cardiac arrest and miraculously survived.
He proudly carried a sarcastic streak sharp enough to keep everyone on their toes but, beneath that playful edge was a deeply compassionate person. He's the only man we know that kept Southern Comfort Manhattans in his liquor cabinet.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Bowles; and sister-in-law, Sharon Grosjean; and brother-in-law, Marty Grosjean. Left to cherish Harvey's memory is his wife of 59 years, Judy Bowles; his sister, Judi (Tad) Owen. With each challenge in this world comes a gift. Harvey had his caregiver, Kimberley Wodarski; and "Rent-A-Kid," Kathleen Rupp-Remley, to help him through those rough times.
A celebration of life for Harvey will be held on Sunday, March 29th, at the Ward Pavilion, Wildwood Metropark, 3840 Central Ave., from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., with a sharing of memories beginning at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kathleen Rupp-Remley. Donations will be donated to Whitmer High School's Wrestling Club, of which Harvey was a member.
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7 Entries
Fred G Schaefer
March 16, 2026
I knew he and Judy through social activities with Theta Chi fraternity in the early 1960's. What a neat and fun guy to have known.
Rudy
March 16, 2026
Harvey and Judy were a safe and warm presence during my childhood. You could not ask for better neighbors.
Jim Kosmyna Centennial Colorado
March 15, 2026
Judy , I am so sorry to hear of Harvey's passing. I am sure you will be comforted by many great memories.
I remember coming over to your house on Saturdays and Harvey and I would turn Boris and Kraut loose in the corn field. They would play until they were exhausted! And we had more than our share of fun at Torio's.
Rest in Peace my friend
Carol Boldysh Brown
March 15, 2026
Sorry to hear of you loss JUDY, may he be in Gods peace . Carol Brown
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Mary Robinson
March 15, 2026
Condolences to Judy and family. As a member of Torios Health Club, I can say it was the best for learning for health education! Great couple, great wrestling coach! Always leading by example.-teacher MaryM. Wagner-Robinson.Toledo.
Joe Giannetti
March 15, 2026
Judy, So very sorry for your loss - I didn't know Harvey as well as many, but always liked him whenever we met. You were a wonderful couple and we'll keep both of you in our prayers. Joe
Edgar Thompson
March 15, 2026
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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