Obituary of Irene E. Bowers

Irene Emma (Waters) Bowers passed away peacefully in her sleep May 30, 2015, just 10 days before her 93rd birthday. Irene, a lifelong resident of the Iowa City area, was born June 9, 1922, to Wilber W. and Emma J. (Rummells) Waters. She was born and raised on a 100 acre farm in rural Iowa City where the current Moose Lodge is located. She often said that she was lucky, despite growing up during the Depression, because she was able to live on a farm. She liked being able to be outside, even if it meant having to do chores. Her father loved to proudly tell the story of 5-year-old Irene who was riding their Grand Champion black Percheron (draft horse), Martha, bareback in a horse show at the Iowa State Fair. When all the lights went out, Martha reared up but Irene calmly held on to her mane. Irene and her family felt it was important to share with the community, so they donated the cradle Herbert Hoover was rocked in as a baby to the Hoover National Historic Site. The cradle is displayed in the cottage where Hoover was born. Irene met Robert E. (Bob) Bowers, her husband of 53 years, in 10th grade at a bonfire before a football game at U-High. They were married November 27, 1946, in the First Congregational Church in Iowa City. Bob (with his father's help) built their home in Coralville where the current Arby's is located. In 1961, Bob and Irene had a home built in University Heights based on a Better Homes and Gardens floor plan. Irene was fortunate to be able to live in this same house until this month, when she had to move to Lantern Park in Coralville. Even at Lantern Park, she kept active until just a few days before her death. Irene's entire life was devoted to the field of education and recreation. She attended a one room school before transferring to University Elementary/High School for 4th-12th grades. She received a BS degree in 1944, a MA in 1966, then completed 30 additional hours over the next decade. These were all in physical education, and all from the University of Iowa. Iver Opstad hired Irene in 1944. She was the only physical education specialist in the district so she taught in all of the elementary schools. She was co-author of the district's first elementary physical education curriculum guide and was co-founder of the current Elementary Track and Field Days. Irene retired in 2002, at the age of 80, after 50 years of teaching elementary physical education in the Iowa City Public Schools! No other person in the district had taught for that long. She taught thousands of students, more than any teacher in the district ever has or probably ever will. The number of students who have received Irene's guidance is truly amazing! Irene mentored many student teachers. She was the inspiration for her daughter, who taught physical education for 37 ½ years, and for her son, who has spent his career in social work. In addition to teaching for 50 years, Irene also worked in the recreation field. In 1951 she persuaded the Coralville City Council to start a summer playground. She was the director for five years. She was also the Special Activities Director for the Iowa City Recreation Department for five years, working with the Golden Age Club, Adult Square Dance Club, Paper Doll, and Saturday Play Days. Irene also taught fitness classes for Kirkwood Community College. Irene belonged to many organizations in the education field, plus she was a charter member of the Coralville American Legion Auxiliary and the Coralville Methodist church. Since retiring in 2002, Irene has volunteered at the ICCSD Elementary Track and Field Day, Special Olympics, the University of Iowa, and a number of committees and volunteer positions at the Senior Center in Iowa City. She was a member of the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission and was secretary for a number of years. She spent almost every day at the Senior Center for the past 13 years, enjoying bid euchre, line dancing, and her favorite activity: playing pool, which she learned how to play when she began going to the Center. Irene is survived by her daughter Cherie (Marvin) Nicola of Coralville, son Michael (Karin) Bowers of North Liberty; grandchildren Jason Bowers (fiancée Sharon Connett), Brian (Shanthi) Nicola, Jason (Melissa) Bland, Christopher Bland, Lindsay Bland, and Alison (Bill) Hershberger; great-grandchildren Lasya Nicola, Madelyn and Caiden Bland, and Warren Hershberger; sister-in-law Ruth Waters of Peabody, MA; brother-in-law Edward (Rose Ann) Bowers of Tucson, AZ; and six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert E. Bowers, sister Marie (George) Zimmerman, and brothers Everett Waters and Wayne (Melba) Waters. Irene's family would like to thank the staff at Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center, Iowa City Hospice, and Mercy Hospital for their kind and supportive care of Irene. Irene enjoyed a long and full life in a community she loved. Her family was always impressed with her active lifestyle and independent nature. In keeping with Irene's wishes, a private family service will be held. She will be buried next to her husband in Oak Hill Cemetery. Land for the cemetery was donated to the City of Coralville by the Bowers family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Irene's memory to Iowa City Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choice.