Lucille Bowers

Lucille Bowers

Iowa City

Lucille F. Bowers (Chadwick; Rundell), 91, of Iowa City, Iowa died Friday, October 4, 2024, at home of natural causes surrounded by loving family. In accordance with Lucille’s wishes, her body has been cremated.

Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Chadwick of Mt. Vernon, Sandy Shaffer (Doug) of Kalona, Lucinda Rundell of Iowa City, Julia Bergerud (Kurt) of Cedar Rapids; three sons, Ron Rundell (Rutchel) of West Branch, Harv Rundell (Kathi) of Solon, Darryl (Michelle) of Center Junction; forty-one grandchildren, eighty-nine great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; tons of nieces and nephews; her best friend and “sister” Pat Pirkl of Iowa City; and the most loved caregiver in the world Brooke Hill, Iowa City.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucy Chadwick; seven brothers; spouse, Arnold Rundell; spouse, Gaylord Bowers; daughter, Janine Murphy; son, Michael Rundell; daughter-in-law, Mary Rundell; one grandchild and four great-grandchildren.

Lucille was born June 6,1933 in Bismark, North Dakota. Her name came from a block letter quilt made by the Ladies Aid Club. For her first eight years, she experienced very rural farm life in small sod houses with seven brothers, lots of animals, daily pranks and antics near Shields and Fredia North Dakota. She was eight years old when moving to Bismark into a two-story house and her own bedroom! No more sharing with a brother or two.

Lucille married Arnold Rundell in 1949, leaving North Dakota for South Carolina and then to Iowa in 1951. Together they raised nine children. Lucille had various jobs including 26 years at the VAMC in Iowa City and serving as the CEO of the Rundell Corporation of nine children, many pets of assorted species, extra neighborhood kids, annual family camping vacations, and mediator for squabbles. Lucille married Gaylord Bowers in 1981, becoming best friends and soul mates even after Gaylord’s passing in 2004.

Lucille was always active with work, family, volunteering at nursing homes and senior centers, crafts, camping with family and friends, being active with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Moose Lodge, Red Hat Ladies, the LASSO-E, Herky City and Good Sams camping clubs. She loved music and was so proud of her grandchildren’s musical talents.

She loved going to the theater, dancing, car races and family gatherings. Holiday family events were the greatest of times for her, always arriving in costume be it the Easter Bunny, Santa’s elf or a Christmas tree, the ugly warty witch, or the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

But most enduring of all, Lucille- our mother, friend, grandmother, great-grandmother, or aunt, will be remembered for her superpower strength, her humor and quick wit (sometimes inappropriate), her abundance of energy and her drive to always give back to others. In our hearts, Lucille will always be that amazing woman who inspired others to be better.

All are welcome to join us in a celebration of Lucille’s life on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Eagles’ Lodge at 225 Hwy 1, Iowa City, Iowa. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.iowacremation.com.