Sturtevant – Dennis James Bower, 66, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 1, 2011, with his loving wife, Rose Ann, at his side.

Dennis was born in Racine on October 16, 1945 to the late Frank and Elaine (nee: Despins) Bower. He faithfully served our Country in the United States Navy from 1962-1966. On June 19, 1971 he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Rose Ann (nee: Way) Bower. They happily celebrated 40 years of marriage this past summer with family, friends, and music.

During his career, Dennis was employed at various local industries as a quality control supervisor, retiring from Michaels Machine Company. Dennis will be most fondly remembered for his incredible musical talent. He managed and played with numerous local bands over the years, most notably with his father and uncle as part of "The Bower Boys". Dennis and his adored, Rose Ann, played together as "Country Spirit" for many years. Even as recent as this fall, Dennis and his good buddy, Roy, entertained at local nursing homes as "Remember When". Among his other interests, he enjoyed working in his garage, woodworking, remodelling, home improvements and could refurbish just about anything.

Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Rose Ann; daughter, Rhonda (Tim) Zuck; sons, Scott Spaulding and Dennis (Sheila) Buttenhoff, Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher Cox, Heather Hernandez, Charlene Spaulding and Timothy Buttenhoff; great-grandchildren, Cian and Alyanna; brothers, Russ (Lori) Karow and Frankie (Michelle) Bower, Jr.; sister-in-law, Cindy Bower and June Soales; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Bower; step-mother, Fran Bauer; and brother-in-law, Branson Soales.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 1:00 pm in Mound Cemetery Chapel, 1147 West Boulevard. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-3 pm and in Mound Cemetery Chapel on Monday from 12-1 pm.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints 2C and to Odyssey Hospice, especially Sally, Deb and Nancy Joy, for all of their compassionate care and kindness given in our time of need.