Funeral Mass for Carol Bowden

Carol Ann Bowden, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at The Woodlands at Meth-Wick.

A visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Carol was born on May 7, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Leonard and LaRaine (Proulx) Garvis and grew up in Jefferson, South Dakota. She pursued her education at St. Joseph’s Nursing School and the University of South Dakota before marrying William “Bill” Bowden, on August 13, 1966, in Jefferson, South Dakota.

Carol built a career at United Fire & Casualty in Cedar Rapids, she continued working in the insurance industry until her retirement in 2009. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was an active participant in the National Association of Insurance Women throughout her career.

Beyond her professional and community life, Carol found joy in traveling, including cruises, spending winters in Florida, and craft projects. However, nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her children and grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will be forever missed.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Bill Bowden; her children, Kevin (Stacey) Bowden of Cedar Rapids, Karen (Mike) Smith of Clearwater, Florida, and Rebecca (Jamie) Burger of Central City, Iowa; her adored grandchildren, Olivia, William, Kate, and Avery Bowden, and Marie and Jailynn Burger; and her siblings, Connie (Don) Owings of Canyon Lake, Texas, Coleen (Don) Hetzel of Coralville, Iowa, and Gary Garvis of Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and LaRaine Garvis.

Carol’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorials may be directed to Essence of Life Hospice or Funding Our Future/VJC Endowment at Meth-Wick Community.