Marian Sowers
August 26, 1926 ~ July 20, 2011
Marian L. Sowers age 84 of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at the Oak Estates Assisted Living Center in Conrad, IA.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg with Pastor Burt Williams of Peace United Church of Christ officiating. Musical selections include “I’ll Fly Away” sung by Molly Sowers, “Consider the Lilies” sung by Matt Sowers, and “Cedar Hill” sung by William Reynolds.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Pallbearers will be grandchildren Greg Sowers, Katie Reynolds, Matt Sowers, Reid Boevers, Garrett Raum, Michael Daggett, Lafe Diser, and Eric Sowers.
Marian Lois was born August 19, 1926, the daughter of Clement and Beryl (Ranard) Jeffries in Waterloo, Iowa. Growing up, Marian attended Sloan-Wallace School, and was a 1943 graduate of Waterloo West High School. On April 18, 1943, at Finnell Church in rural Sumner, she was united in marriage to Douglas Sowers. To this union, eight children were born. The couple farmed in the Sumner and Fredricka area until moving into Fredericksburg where they resided for over 50 years.
Marian was an award winning artist, a loving wife and mother. She did oil, acrylic, and water color paintings. She crafted baskets, did wood carvings, sewed, and decorated cakes. She was a member of the Iowa Amateur Art Association, and won top honors for her paintings at the art show in Des Moines.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Doug; three sons, Jeff (Marlys) Sowers of Milo, IA, Ric (Marlene) Sowers of Fredericksburg, IA, Ken (Barb) Sowers of Readlyn, IA; five daughters, Sue (Romaine) Orth of Plainfield, Melinda (Don) Daggett of Conrad, IA, Merijo (Dale) Boevers of Farley, IA, Kelly (Scott) Diser of Austin, MN, Kristen (Mark) Christensen of Saratoga, IA; 26 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Janet.
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i am so sorry for your loss. i can remember as a child i couldn’t wait to come to fredricksburg to see you. it alwys meant alot to me to come and visit you. i’ll miss you. love,scott
My sincere sympathy to the family. We just found Marian after so many years. I really enjoyed her letters to Caroline. Your cousin Nancy Jeffries Havens
We love you.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Sowers Family. Mom Sowers was such a gifted lady with all her talents in art and cooking. The first time I met her was when my Mom Vivian brought me down to the home Burg place. She was in the process of baking this huge cake. She had just mixed up a huge bowl of frosting and of course she saw me staring at it. She never even asked, she just handed me a spoon and said those kind words,’Help yourself.’ I never forgot that. Then I also went to school with Jeff, Ric and Melinda. In the summers I worked for Meinerz and often talked with Dad Sowers. I know she was so special to your family. I know your loss will be deeply felt. Just know that you are in our prayers and we also feel your loss. God bless you all. Mark & Terry Wenthe, Altoona, IA.
We are so sorry for your loss. All of the Sowers’ family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, MicK & Theresa
Ric & Marlene, You are in our thoughts & Prayers ,It is never easy to lose a parent May God give you strengh in the next days. Marlene I always think of you on the 3rd!!! Jeanine & Ken
Rick and Marlene I was so sorry to hear about your mom I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts
am sorry to hear of marion’s passing. first i remember of her is when we moved to fredericksburg with my mother and we used to but a gallon of milk a week from her and doug. went to school with melinda and merrijo. and my son was a friend of Matt’s. all of you are in our hearts and our prayers.
My sincere condolences to the Sowers family. Marian painted portraits of our two boys when they were each 2 years old. They are now 38 and 36 years old — we still cherish those paintings. She also painted the ‘Motor Mill’ for us. What a talent she had. Just wanted you to know my thoughts are with the family. She was such a kind kind person. (Incidently we took back the painting of our older son so she could paint some hair on his head since he didn’t really have much at that time!) I worked with Jeff and Mr. Sowers at Meinerz Creamery back in the 70’s.
We are so sorry to hear about Marian. Seems like she lived a full life. We are sure your family has many wonderful memories of her. At times like this the Bible comforts us so much. Jesus said in John 5:28&29 there would come a time when those in the memorial tombs would hear his voice and come out. This would also be at a time when Revelation 21:3&4 says there will be no more tears, pain or death. This would all happen when God’s Kingdom comes, the same kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for in the Lord’s Prayer. What a wonderful prospect for Marian and all those in the memorial tombs now. We express our deepest sympathy. We hope you find comfort in this time of loss
Wishing you comfort now as you remember the yesterdays that were filled with your grandmother and mother warmth, laughter and love.Hope it’s a comfort to know that your tomorrows will be touched by her memory.
Cami, Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Kristen and family Many years ago, you introduced me to your Mom. An engaging smile to be sure. You always spoke so lovingly about your parents. I know you have many wonderful memories. Love Donna
Dear Merijo and family, I remember many happy times in your home during elementary and junior high especially. Marian was the best at making all feel welcomed. You will be in my prayers during this time. Stacey Heimkes
My heart goes out to you, Doug and to the rest of the family. She’ll be greatly missed by all that knew her. We are trying to make arrangement to come on Saturday, so we might see everyone.
You have our sympathy. Always thought a lot of Marian.
Please accept our families most sincere condolences in your time of loss.
What a beauyiful lady Marian was and so very talented! She has a wonderful family and Doug is so good too. Our sympathy to you all. Roger & Margo
Doug- I am sorry for your loss. I know you will have lots of love and support from your family. Take care and I will call and talk when things have calmed down. Bill Purdy
Your Mom made our daughter Gail’s wedding cake. How beautiful it was. 2 things I remember your Mom saying, they always tithed no matter how little they had and she loved babies. What a neat family your folks have. What a legacy.
Sue & Romaine~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you go thru these next few days. I know that you have a lot of memories to help carry you through.God sure gained a beautiful angel in Heaven with Marian ! Love & hugs to you all, Sherri, Wes & Family
I remember your Mothers warm smile and the trips as a child to the farm. The great food that came from her kitchen. Your cousin, Ellen Jeffries Rogers
Sorry for you loss, God is always looking for angles and will love and care for Marion. I sure have some great childhood memories of seeing and talking to Marion. God Bless you all Renae Farrell (Hirsch)
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Marian always had a smile and a good word whenever I had chance to visit with her in passing here or there. Will keep your family in my prayers.
Sympathy & prayers to the family; Cami, if there is anything I can do, please call…