Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Charles I. Bower, 77, residing in Sandusky, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 3, 2013 at Firelands Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness.
Charles was born on March 4, 1936 in Fremont, OH to the late Ezra Bower (1981) and Mabel (Beard) Freeman (1985).
Charles was a Veteran of the Navy who proudly served his country in 1953. He was employed by Thom McAn Shoes for several years. Later he was employed as a set-up man and groundskeeper at General Motors for 20 years, retiring in 1993. Charles was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Sandusky, where he served as an usher for many years, and the UAW. In his spare time he enjoyed making maple syrup and candles, and he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed feeding the birds and mowing the lawn. He also loved John Deere equipment.
Charles is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Ann (Weyer), whom he married January 15, 1955. Their ceremony marked the first English wedding Mass in Sandusky held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. He is also survived by his three sons, Charles I. (Therese) Bower, Jr. of Sandusky, Michael (Lori) Bower of Huron, and Joseph Bower of Sandusky; four daughters, Rose Marie (Carl) Pletcher of Sandusky, Carol (Tim) Baumbusch of Castalia, Jeanette Mason of Sandusky, and Emma (Scott) Pfanner of Sandusky; 16 grandchildren, Brian (Kami) Dyer, Dana, Paul and Sean Bower, Nick (Heather) Pletcher, Jenny (Bobby) Greene, Beth and Kevin Bower, Kara (James) Howard, Josh, Barbie, Chris and Katie Mason, Ian Bower, and Amanda and Cory Pfanner; 9 great-grandchildren; step-brother, Gary Schall; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Bower (1982).
Friends may call on Friday, April 5, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 9:00 am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 510 Columbus Ave., Sandusky with Father Eric Mueller, presiding. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Sandusky.
Those wishing to contribute to Charles' memory may do so to the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio 3100 W. Central Avenue, Suite 250, Toledo, Ohio 43606, or one's favorite charity.
Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
