Dwight B. Bowser, Jr.

Mr. Dwight B. Bowser, Jr., 85, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly of natural causes at his northside home on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at 8:30 am. He was born on July 2, 1936 in Goshen to the late Dwight B. and Vesta M. (Niccum) Bowser, Sr., and later married Linda M. Schmidt on June 22, 1968 in Mishawaka. She survives at home.

Also surviving Dwight are his children Brian D. Bowser of Chicago, Illinois and Amy (Dale) Kehoe and Christina (Terry) Ottman, both of Elkhart; grandchildren Trevor, Elizabeth, Zachary and Kaleb Kehoe and Madison, Melodie and Macy Ottman, and a host of extended family, good friends and kindly and loving neighbors who checked in on Dwight and Linda over the years. Linda has always been thankful that so many good folks and their families lived nearby.

In accordance with Dwight’s wishes, cremation has taken place, but a memorial celebration of life will be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 4:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm.  Pastor Chris Garner of “The Table Gathering” Church of Bristol will officiate. The United States Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart’s DAV Post 19 will render military honors at the funeral home.

Dwight retired from CTS after 38 years there working as a millwright. He was a 1955 graduate of Elkhart High School and was on the Elkhart basketball team during the 1954 state championships in Indianapolis. Milan’s resulting victory inspired the movie “Hoosiers.”  He went on to receive an associate degree at Western Michigan University in printing and business administration. He served honorably in the United States Army where he was a topographical surveyor stationed in Iran.  Dwight loved his country and often said that serving in the army was one of the best decisions he made.  For many years on July 4th, he hosted a flag ceremony to honor all local veterans.

Dwight was part of the Simonton Lake community for 50 years.  He loved to give anyone and everyone rides on his pontoon boat, and the summer months teemed with family and fun.  He also loved family camping and going to Silver Lake to take his dune buggy out for a spin.

Dwight was an accomplished handyman.  His years of experience as a millwright certainly gave him the skills needed to make things work again! He was a huge University of Notre Dame fan but appreciated all sports and teams. He had an eclectic taste in music; everything from polkas to marches to big bands of the 50’s and 60’s, and of course rock and roll.  He also really liked to collect tools.  If you were involved in a project that needed a left-handed retractable sun switcher, you could pretty much bet that Dwight probably had one.

Finally, Dwight was a strong Christian, and had attended Winding Waters Brethren Church in Elkhart and later New Song Community Church in Union, Michigan until his health limited his attendance. Above all, Dwight loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. His happiest moments were watching the grandchildren’s activities and the swimming parties at Simonton Lake.   He will always be remembered for his huge smile and generous ways.

Memorial donations may be given to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) or to Wounded Warriors. Friends and relatives are encouraged to read the entire obit and leave condolences, memories and/or pictures of Dwight by clicking “Tribute Wall” on his obituary page on the funeral home’s website and then following the prompts.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WEARING OF FACE MASKS WILL BE APPRECIATED BUT NOT REQUIRED !!

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