Merna Bowerman

Merna L. Bowerman, 81, Bismarck, died November 19, 2009, at St. Alexius Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Robinson with Rev. Valerie Kinlan officiating. Burial will be at Bethany Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 – 9:00 PM at Eastgate Steele Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Merna LaVonne Wick was born on February 8, 1928, in Woodworth, ND, the daughter of Carl and Alma Lucken Wick. She was raised and attended school in Robinson. Merna married Charles Bowerman on November 22, 1947. They were blessed with three children, Rick, Debra, and Robert. Together they farmed until Charles’ death on July 3, 1965. Merna continued to farm with the help of her sons, Rick and Bob, and her brother, Donnie. In 1973, Merna retired and moved to her hometown of Robinson and continued to live there as a very active community member until August of 2008 when her health concerns called for her to move to Bismarck to be close to her doctors. Merna was always very active in the Bethany Lutheran Church including being the church organist and took pride in doing all she could to support and beautify her little town on the prairie, Robinson. She was very well known for her cooking and baking skills. Her homemade buns were a hit with everyone but especially her cherished grandchildren. Many times she heard them ask “Are these Grandma’s buns”? Merna was always excited when she could watch her grandkids participate in sporting events. She was especially excited to meet her first great-grandchild in May. Merna’s faith in her Lord was never more evident as when she struggled with the devastating loss of her precious son, Rick, in 1998 and grandson, Brock, in 2004. She always knew that one day she would be home with them again. Those left to miss her presence here with them are her daughter, Debra Virgil Wisdom of Washburn; her son, Robert LaDonna Bowerman of Dawson; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Bowerman of Bismarck; her grandchildren, Marissa Matt Welton, Grant Wisdom, Brett Sue Bowerman all of Bismarck, Brietta Bowerman fiancé, Kenn Iverson of Jamestown, Michael Bowerman of Pettibone, and Kelsey Bowerman of Bismarck; and her special sister, Gladys Wick of Robinson. Preceding her in death are her husband, Charles; her son, Rick; her parents; her grandson, Brock; and her brothers, Glen, Marvin, Donovan, and Robert.

Merna Bowerman

February 8, 1928 - November 19, 2009