Kirk Bowers

Kirk Lewis Bowers, of Seeley Lake, Montana, passed away peacefully in hospice care, surrounded by loving family, on July 30, 2025, at the age of 83.

Kirk was born November 22, 1941, in New Underwood, South Dakota, the son of Robert Van Bowers and Helen Louise Monserud Bowers. He was the eldest of five children who spent their early years surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in Hill City, South Dakota. His family moved to St. Ignatius, Montana, where he attended school and made lifelong friends.

In May 1960, Kirk joined the U.S. Navy and served with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron #1. This aviation unit’s role was aerial reconnaissance and signals intelligence. He served proudly with this unit until honorably discharged in 1964.

Kirk married Linda Jean Krantz on November 27, 1965. They lived happily together in western Montana with their three daughters and countless good friends. After attending Missoula Vo Tech and receiving his degree in Forestry Aide and Engineering, Kirk worked for the U.S. Forest Service and numerous lumber yards for many years. The highlight of Kirk’s career came when he traveled the continent as a long haul truck driver. He often said it was the best job ever; 90% pure joy and 10% terror!

Kirk loved the outdoors and had a slew of great stories about his hiking, fishing, and hunting adventures. He enjoyed watching the Dodgers on his TV and the deer and birds out his window. He was also an avid reader and loved to engage others in stimulating discussions about history and politics.

Kirk was preceded in death by his sisters, Sylvia & Naomi; and daughter, Marcella Hladik. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Donna Jo Davis, Sherri Lynn Friedrich; sons-in-law, Dave Friedrich and Anthony Hladik; brothers, Ronald and Del Bowers; in-laws, Bill, Myrna and Kay Krantz; grandchildren, Ryan, Benjamin, Samuel, Charles, Colin, and Hannah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7 beginning at noon at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. Memorial services will be held August 8, 11:00 a.m. at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church north of St.Ignatius. A memorial page will be set up on Foster Funeral Home website where you may leave memories of Kirk and messages to his family.

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