Gregory Randall Bowman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Name: Gregory R. Bowman Age: 53 Address: 22899 US HWY 6, Princeton DOD: Sept. 9, 2007 in Stockton, IL DOB: July 27, 1954 in Dixon, IL Parents: Wilbur and Evelyn (Wales) Bowman. They survive. Married: Joann Makransky on Jan. 19 1980 in Polo, IL. She survives. School affiliations: Polo Community High School (1972), Western Illinois University (1979), University of Arkansas – Fayetteville (1991) Employment: Solo practitioner for 14 years – Bowman Law Firm, Princeton, IL Memberships: AgLaw Liaison for Illinois State Bar Association since 1995, chairman from 1999-2000; Senior Ride Captain for Northern Illinois Patriot Guard Riders since March of 2006 (BSS); Active member of the Shadows of the Blue and Gray civil war committee since 1996, chairman from 2001-2006; Summer softball coach. Survivors: Daywife – Belinda Klien of Cherry Children – Stacy (Darrin) Hill – Lacon ; Lauren and Megan of Princeton; Dylan (Danielle), Baileyville; – Joseph, Michael, Frances and Jackson of the home Parents – Wilbur and Evelyn, Polo, IL Grandmother – H. Lucile Wales, Polo, IL Siblings – Jeff (Annette), Greenwood, IN; Rod (Cathy), Lexington, KY; Mike (Kim), Forreston; Stephanie (Fred) Schmidt, Madisonville, TX; Paul (Julie Ann) Coggins, Mauston, Wi Also survived by numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Preceded in Death: Mary Alice Makransky (mother-in-law), Timothy N. Bowman (nephew). Services: Visitation: Friday, Sept. 14th 5pm to 8pm, Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton Funeral: Saturday, Sept. 15th 9:30AM, St. Louis Church, Princeton; Officiated by Fr. Ed Harkrader Private burial to follow at a later date. Memorials: Bowman Children Education Fund has been established at Citizens First National Bank Greg Bowman was born and raised on the family farm in rural Polo, IL. He graduated from the Polo schools in 1972 and proceeded on to college. In 1979 he met his future wife Joann Makransky at Western Illinois University in Macomb. They married in 1980 and started their beautiful family shortly after. At that time Greg and Mike took over operating the family farm in Polo. In 1987 Greg was recruited into law school by the firm that handled the farm financial matters, so later that year the family pulled up roots and moved to Fayetteville, AR where his new career would begin. After 5 years in Arkansas the family returned to Illinois and settled in Joann’s hometown of Princeton where he began his private law practice. Greg was elected for a term as president of the Illinois State Bar Assn. Greg was liscensed to practice in five states and federal court and has ongoing farm law cases all over the area. In Princeton the family became involved in the Civil War Re-enactments where Greg served as president for four years. At that time the family started tracing the families’ genealogy. Greg became involved with the Patriot Guard Riders which ultimately became a driving force in his life. In under a year he was named as a Ride Captain and shortly after promoted to Senior Ride Captain for Northern Illinois. This was a passion that he shared with his family, his brothers, and his parents as they all would attend missions together on many occasions, in several states. Greg was also involved in coaching girls softball and many family activities. He loved his family, the outdoors, his motorcycle, and anything to do with the Teton Mountains. He will be missed by many.

Gregory Randall Bowman

July 27, 1954 - September 9, 2007