David Clark Bower

David C. Bower, age 82 of Woodbury, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 18, 2024

David was born on September 2, 1941 in Quakertown, Pennsylvania to Henry and Evelyn (Steltz) Bower. He graduated from Boyertown Area High School in Pennsylvania in 1959. David then went on to attend Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Motivated by his strong Mennonite faith, during the Vietnam War, David chose Alternative Service and was assigned to Mennonite Central Committee. From 1963-1966, he served in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India working in relief and rehabilitation programs administration as well as emergency aid. Following his time there, David joined the Church World Service/CROP fundraising program in Elkhart, Indiana. In 1970, he became the Regional Director for the Church World Service Michigan Regional Program. During his time there, the program experienced the highest income generating levels of all regional programs through CROP Hunger Walks. Over those years he traveled extensively in his role to Southeast Asia, various African countries and the Caribbean, visiting partner programs to support the work of Church World Service. David retired in 2009.

Following retirement, he was able to spend some time volunteering in the summers on Lake Michigan as a 'Lighthouse Keeper' at various lighthouses. David loved nature, and he enjoyed camping, spending time outdoors, bicycling, and pickleball. He always looked forward to blueberry season in which he handpicked and froze blueberries he often shared with family and friends. In more recent years, he gave his time and gifts to Open Hands Midway and All Saints Lutheran Church missions ministry. One of his most cherished roles was that of Grandpa to Caleb, Luke, and Nathan Spielman. He was known as "Grandpa D" to the boys. His legacy of love and generosity will live on. 

David is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Evelyn Bower. He will be missed by his beloved wife of 34 years Catherine Powers; stepson, Daniel (Kristen) Spielman; step-grandchildren, Caleb, Luke and Nathan; siblings, Lois (John) Heist, Susan (Edward) McCauley; and nieces and nephews Kim (Jason) Ackerman, Justin (Sonia) Kissel, Kelly (Ramon) Torres and Bethany (Mike) Lucas; and sister-in-law, April (Christina Conforti) Powers.