Larry L. Bower

Larry L. Bower, age 81, of Monroe, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 4, at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Green County Humane Society.

Larry was born on July 31, 1943, to George and Naomi (Cunningham) Bower. He grew up on the family farm between Winslow and Lena, where he developed a strong work ethic from a young age. By the time he was seven, he was already driving the tractor, and as he grew, he honed his skills in welding and farm equipment construction—both essential to farm life. A dedicated farmer, Larry eventually cultivated 1,400 acres and later went on to work 20 years as a welder with Farm Service.

A lifelong John Deere enthusiast, Larry found joy in the land and in the machines that helped him tend it. In 1993, he met the love of his life, Shirley Traum, at a dance, and they married on February 12, 1994. Together, they built a beautiful life on a small farmette outside of Monroe, where they raised Holstein steers, chickens, and turkeys, and even grew watermelons in the most unexpected places. Larry and Shirley shared 31 wonderful years of marriage, enjoying flea markets, farm thresheries, and cloud-gazing, finding delight in the shapes that nature provided.

Larry was baptized in 2003 at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Monroe, a reflection of his faith and quiet strength. A man of few words but deep kindness, he was known for his unwavering politeness and old-school gentlemanly ways—always holding the door open for Shirley. His sense of humor was ever-present; he loved a good joke or prank and was known for cutting out funny newspaper or magazine clippings to share with family and friends. His grandchildren, whom he adored, will always remember the playful spirit of their grandpa, pulling them in wagons around the farm and creating a special playground in the barn, complete with basketball hoops, a trampoline, and a rope swing. In their hearts, he will always be the grandpa in the red F.S. hat.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bower of Monroe, Wisconsin; her children, Shelly (Mark) Fiene of Rock City, Illinois, Tammy (Dave) Keister of Dover, Tennessee, and Timothy (Kimberly) Green of Orangeville, Illinois; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Sherry Green of Forreston, Illinois; his siblings, David (Gloria) Bower of Orangeville, Illinois, Judith Browning of Lena, Illinois, and Joy (Larry) Burkhalter of South Wayne, Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Sheri Traum of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Naomi Bower; Shirley’s son, Jeremy Green; his siblings, Gary and Sharon Bower; his great-niece, Rebecca A. Niemann; and his brothers-in-law, Dale Browning and Edward Traum.

Larry's legacy is one of hard work, devotion, and a heart full of love for his family and the land he tended. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.