Benjamin E. Bowerman, 91

Benjamin E. Bowerman, 91, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 23, 1919, in Rosalia, Wash., the son of Ernest E. and Elsie Kuehl Bowerman.

On April 4, 1936, he married Hazel Fetcho in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Benjamin was a proud Navy veteran of World War II.

In 1954 he moved to Columbia Falls to work for Anaconda Aluminum and retired in 1982. In addition, he owned and operated Ben’s Excavation. He also enjoyed working in his hay fields, garden and shop on his many projects.

He was a caring person who helped friends and strangers alike. Ben loved God and was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Columbia Falls, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, and was on the church council for many years.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Dolores and David Selig, Julie Richwine, Merrilie and Bill Aho and Lynda Kay Tyler; one son, Benjamin M., and Betty Bowerman; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Virginia, and Roy Smith.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Bowerman; and sister, Emily Vosahlo.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Assembly of God Church, 738 Third Ave. West, Columbia Falls. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.