A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Second Presbyterian Church at 2 pm. Friends may visit with the family from 12 pm until the memorial service time of 2.
October 8, 1937 – February 25, 2017
Michael (Mike) S. Bowman, 79, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 25, 2017 in Indianapolis, following a long illness. Mike was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 8, 1937 to the late DeForrest and Marilois Bowman.
He earned his BSME degree from Purdue University and then went on to earn his MBA from Indiana University. He was an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering Technology at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, where he taught from 1963 – 2011.
Mike was also a founder and long-time owner of The Sitzmark, a ski and backpack shop in Broad Ripple. Over his lifetime, Mike enjoyed staying active and regularly participated in hobbies such as snow skiing, backpacking, scuba diving, and bicycling. In his younger years, he taught scuba diving and ran in several marathons.
He spent many summers and winters enjoying the town of Sun Valley, Idaho where he had a vacation home, and was an affiliate member of Presbyterian Church of Big Wood.
An avid photographer, he taught film and digital photography classes around the country and locally, at the Indianapolis Art Center. He also regularly supported the Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Mike was happy to periodically display his photography artwork in the halls of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, where he was a long-time active member.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, DeForrest and Marilois (Meek) Bowman and recently by his brother-in-law, Robert Cress. He is survived by: his wife, Gayle; sister, Susan Bowman Cress; niece, Amy (Nick) Lents; stepchildren, Ashley (David) Butz, Benjamin (Rachel) Arthur, and Jacob Arthur; along with grandnephews, Alexander and Andrew Lents; step grandchild, Paul Butz; and faithful companion Lizzie, his Silver Labrador. Mike was a kind, generous, loyal, and humble human being and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Second Presbyterian Church at 2 pm. Friends may visit with the family from 12 pm until the memorial service time of 2. In lieu of flowers a gift to Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) can be made in Michael’s honor at http://www.icandog.org/support-us
Linda Rinker says
Gayle, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike’s life was a blessing to many. May you feel God’s comfort and peace.
Dr. Deanna McMillan says
Gayle, I learned something from Mike every time I spoke with him. His art and teachings are a legacy that will live on forever.
Please know that the McMillans are praying for you and your family.
We wish you peace and comfort in this time of bereavement.
Precious Highbaugh says
Gayle,
Knowing you and Mike was truly a blessing. He was just so warm and kind. Those beautiful kind eyes. You are so strong. I truly admire how graceful you are. I know I only knew you guys for a little while but knowing you two will leave an impression on my life forever. Thank you so much for allowing me to share just a little in your journey.
Kathi Hahn says
Gayle, I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying that you find comfort in God’s love and that he holds you close during this time of great sorrow.
Joyce goglin says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Carrie Savage-Zimmerman says
Condolences and prayers of sympathy for you and yours. Mike sounds like an incredible being. I am sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to know him. May his acknowledgements and memories be of comfort to you during this time.
Sandi Werner says
Gayle,
So sorry for your loss and wish I could have known Mike. May you have comfort in your good memories & may Mike rest in peace.
Eric Alm says
I was a student of Prof Bowman in the ’69 – ’73 era at the 38th st Purdue campus. He was the best. I learned a lot from him and used a lot of this knowledge in a long Industrial Engineering career. We will always remember him.
Laurie Harris says
Gayle, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you, peace
that surpasses all understanding. Love to you,
Laurie
Susan Cox says
Gayle,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I know how strong you are and pray that your Christian strength will lift you up.
Teresa Reid says
I can’t wait to catch the plane tomorrow. There will never be enough space here to describe the impact Mr.Bowman had on me and will continue to have, forever.
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Sara haley says
Gayle, we learned of Mikes death this morning. We send you our love
Sara & Al Haley
Lalita L Amos says
Gayle, I just heard of your husband’s passing. I wish you well–today and always.