Linda

Bowar

After a very courageous, hard-fought, multi-year battle with various illnesses, most notably stage 4 pancreatic, liver, and bone cancer, Linda Bowar passed away on September 22, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Linda was born on February 4, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan. Her immediate family includes her husband, Ken; daughter Amy Black, son Andy (Kelli) Black; daughter Angie Black; stepsons Ryan and Aaron Bowar; sisters Janet (Bob) Helland and Jeanne (Jim) Kennedy; along with her adorable grandchildren Dylan and Gracie Black and Deztyne and Jaiden Bowar; and numerous lovable nieces and nephews most notably her niece Jamie Kennedy who was one of her dearest friends, confidant and care giver. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Natalie (Knight) Rogers, and her sister, Terri Gheen.

Linda loved life so much and wanted to live so badly. She wanted to see her younger grandchildren graduate from high school and get married.

Linda was a giver, not a taker. She was a gift-giver. She loved giving gifts and getting gifts. Christmas and birthdays were always a hoot and a darn good time. She liked to remind her husband, after a shopping spree, how much money she had just saved him and how lucky he was to have married her instead of one of his brothers’ wives, who spent so much more than her.

She was always thinking of others and helping others. If someone was sick or needed help, she was the first one there to help out. She would do whatever was needed—bake whatever delicious entrée, cook, clean—you name it, she would be there to help. She was a worker. When I first met her, she worked three jobs. I didn’t know when she slept. For real—not joking. She worked numerous jobs, from the Donut Hut to the medical field, legal secretary work, insurance, the school district, and finally at First Student as a school bus driver. She made many lifelong friends wherever she went. She was School Bus Driver of the Year for North America in 2015 and received an award at the Franklin Center in Philadelphia for this accomplishment. "Faith without works is dead.” She epitomized that.

She founded Operation Cold Kidz, where she would go around to numerous businesses and ask them to donate new coats and warm clothing for families in need. She would then hand them out every year in the early fall.

She especially liked to have a good time with her family and friends. Family and friends were everything. Whether it was bonfires out on the lake, playing Bingo with Amy, taking the grandkids to Valleyfair or various swimming pools around the area, driving the Zodiac boat out on the Gulf, relaxing at the beach , or tipping a few at the Tiki Bar. Oh did she love animals, especially her beloved service dog, Muddy. She loved to travel most notably when Amy took her to Rome even while she was battling this God awful cancer.

One of her most endearing qualities was her ability to make people laugh with what she said, especially when she was being sincere. Those who knew her will know what I mean.

She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and loved ones. Her contagious smile will never be forgotten. There’s only one Mona Lisa, one Leaning Tower of Pisa, one Fifth Avenue, and only one you.

Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 9, 2026. The Memorial Service, officiated by Father Tom Loomis, will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in the River Park Chapel at the Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood East Cemetery.

Following the service, there will be a reception from 12:30PM until 3:30PM at Willow Creek Golf Course in Rochester. All are welcome. This will be an opportunity to continue sharing fond memories of Linda.

If you wish to make a donation in her memory, memorials are preferred to either St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha, Minnesota, or the Church of the Resurrection in Rochester, Minnesota.

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

Gracious, heartfelt thanks to all those who helped care for her and loved her.

Hugs, love, and prayers.

XOXO