Donald L. Bowman, Sr., 75, of Eau Claire, died unexpectedly on Friday, November 21, 2008, at Sacred Heart Hospital.\r\nHe was born in Louisville, KY on November 11, 1933, the son of Carl Wesley Bowman, Sr., and Agnes Lucile (Aebersold) Bowman.\r\nDonald served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Naval Reserve from December 26, 1951 to December 26, 1959.\r\nHe married Lorraine "Dolly" DeSpain on November 26, 1953, in Louisville, KY.\r\nDonald worked in retail management for 43 years, most recently as co-owner of Wall to Wall, Inc. in Eau Claire from 1979 to 1997.\r\nDonald was a member of Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center, John F. Kennedy Council Knights of Columbus #1257, where he served as a past Grand Knight. He was also a member of the Eau Claire Thursday Noon Kiwanis Club, where he served as Past President. He served on the advisory board at St. Bede Monastery, also on the City of Eau Claire Planning Commission, and United Cerebral Palsy of Western Wisconsin. \r\nAmong his hobbies were fishing, trap shooting, golf, reading, and his computer. Donald loved spending time with his family, especially all of his grandchildren.\r\nDonald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dolly; a son, Donald Lee (Carol) Bowman Jr., of Brooklyn Park, MN; three daughters, Suzanne Holt of Altoona, Judith (John) Wicklein of Eden Prairie, MN, Lori Rowe of Savage, MN; Eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Gina) Holt, Jessica (Israel) Holt, Joshua (Katie) Holt, Aaron (Brooke) Bowman, Ryan Bowman, Ashley (Tim) Rowe, Abigail Rowe, and Sarah Rowe; four great grandchildren, Hunter Rowe, Kaleb Bowman, Tyler Bowman, Isabella Holt; and an expected great grand daughter in 2009; a brother, Robert (Judy) Bowman; and a step-brother, John Bowman, both of Louisville, KY; and by numerous friends and family.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carl Bowman Jr.; and a step-sister, Georgia Workman. \r\nMass of Christian Burial will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center in Eau Claire, with Father George R. Szews celebrating the Mass. Private family entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 3 p.m. until the time of services, Tuesday, at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral&Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\nMemorials are preferred to St. Francis Food Pantry, 1221 Truax Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54703 and the Community Table, 1300 First Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703.\r\nGoodbye for now... I've gone dancing!

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