John grew up in Dimock, SD and moved to Elk Point, SD at the age of 7. He graduated from Elk Point High School in 1981 and attended college at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD where he obtained a bachelor’s degree. He lived in Brookings and Dennison, Iowa before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1994, where he lived until the time of his death. John worked in the bread delivery industry for the majority of his career and acquired many long-term friendships.
John was most noted for his love of his family, especially his nephews and nieces, and his loyalty as a son, brother, and friend. He enjoyed many sports, particularly Notre Dame football games. He spent many Saturdays watching college football with his dad (Bill) and carried on this tradition after Bill’s passing in 2015. John was also a huge supporter of his nieces and nephews at their sporting events and school activities. He loved spending time in nature with several trips to Colorado. John also enjoyed regular trips to South Dakota to see friends and relatives. Some of the most cherished times were with his friends, Mike and Michelle, at Granite City, solving the world’s problems. John was known for his sense of humor, love of food and cooking, movies, music, and unconditional love for his family.
John is survived by: brother, Patrick (Melissa) Bowar of San Antonio, TX; sisters, Janelle (Chuck) Larsen and Amy (Dan) Archuleta of Lincoln; nieces, Abbie (Ian Swisher) Larsen, Becca (Arturo) Fiorentini, and Danielle Archuleta; nephews, Nick Bowar, Andy (MaKenna) Larsen, and Adam Archuleta.
Preceded in death by his parents, William and Joyce Bowar, and his grandparents. In John’s passing, he changed many lives with his gift of organ donation and contributed to medical research. The family wishes memorials to Live On Nebraska: 3867 Leavenworth St. Omaha, NE 68105 in memory of John Bowar.
A Rosary for John will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church & School, 9101 South 78th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 AM.
