John J. Bower

John J Bower, 84, of La Crosse passed away peacefully on 7/24/2026 at his temporary home in the Lighthouse at Riverside Transitional Care. He married the love of his life Paulita (Lita) Severson, on August 19, 1963. His early work life was in the restaurant industry. When their family grew, he started a 32-year career with the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility (MTU) with a 5-year interruption while working in public transit in Palm Beach County Florida. His greatest pride was his family. He was happiest when we were all together eating, laughing, and playing games. We found many reasons to have family gatherings. He was passionate about classic country music – it brought comfort to his soul. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and NASCAR racing. He spent Saturday nights at the La Crosse Speedway with his grandkids as his special guests for the Eve of Destruction. He was kind, funny, wise, understanding, and forgiving.

He is survived by his wife, Lita. His brother Mike (Judy) Bower, sisters Fran Dooley and Rita (Rick) Dayton. His children; Kim (Tom) Ambrose, Laura (Wayne) Cunliffe, John (Dodie) Bower. Grandchildren; Amanda Ambrose (Lance Thill), Anthony (AJ) Ambrose, Zack Ambrose, Dean (Christa) Hanson, Amy Hanson, Emily (Nate) Sandvick, John P Bower, Cyan Bower, Drayden Bower, Joel (Erika Levine) Cunliffe, Daniel Cunliffe, Mari Veenstra. Great grandchildren; Vance, Evie, Lainey and Lyla Thill, Grayson Veenstra, Mina and Myra Burks, Jonas Hanson, Emerson and Tilly Sandvick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John K and Ione Bower. Daughter, Sharon Hanson. Special friend Donnie Collins. Brother-in-law Joe Doole. Sister-in-law Jan Bleiler. Great-grandson Eli Thomas Thill.

Services will be held at Schumacher-Kish on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 4:30 with a visitation beginning at 3:00.

A special thank you to the staff and administration at Riverside Transitional Care for their skill and tender care provided to our dad. Additionally, a thank you to Gundersen Hospice for their brief but meaningly support for comfort.

In memory of dad, memorials can be directed to La Crescent Animal Rescue or Riverside Transitional Care Remodel Fund.