Michael Bowers

Michael E. “Big Mike” Bowers, age 55 years of Niles, Michigan died with his family gathered around at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Lakeland Hospital – Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on June 18, 1960 in South Bend, Indiana to Norman Lee and Betty Marie (Boggess) Bowers. He was graduated from Brandywine High School in Niles, and had attended Daytona Beach Community College. He lived in Niles most of his life, working many years in home construction, for several years as an employee of the Defender Security Company, an ADT dealer, and more recently for the TruGreen lawn care services.

Mike enjoyed cooking and grilling, and was a great fan of the University of Notre Dame football team. He had a special type of blood which he regularly shared through the donor program at the South Bend Medical Foundation. Big Mike is well remembered for his willingness to help all who asked, being a resourceful “Dad” to many, and always putting others first whether by donating blood or hosting a Notre Dame Football game party.

On July 28, 2001 in Niles he married Melody J. (Barr) with whom he celebrated the fourteenth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Melody Bowers and children, Michael L. (& Michelle) Bowers, and Shannon (& Tony) Korolis, both of Niles, Timothy Snyder of Huntington, Indiana, Kylie Lewis of Mendota, Illinois, Daniel (& Amber) Dykema of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Derek Dykema and David (& Brittany) Dykema, both of Niles; grandchildren, Anthony and Bryce Korolis, Camden Baker, Kaylee Lewis, Devin and Avery Dykema, and Kyra and Matthew Richards; and Mike’s brother, Alan “Lanny” (& Jeanie) Bowers of Edgewater, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Betty Bowers.

The funeral service for Michael E. Bowers will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Carl Bassett officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 4:00 p.m. Contributions in memory of Mike Bowers may be made to the Michael Bowers Memorial Fund c/o Old National Bank.

---