Funeral services for Gloria E. Bowar, 87, of Kennebec, SD will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Kennebec Methodist Church in Kennebec, SD with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Reliance, SD.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Kennebec Methodist Church in Kennebec, SD.

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Gloria Bowar, daughter of Robert and Laura Tagtow, was born June 5, 1937 in Fort William Ontario, Canada and was joined by her brother, Gene, a year later.   Around the age of eight, they moved to the family farm south of Reliance where she and her brother attended country school.  She graduated from Reliance high school in 1954.  She attended the University of South Dakota and graduated in 1958.  She was united in marriage to Charles Bowar in July 1958 and they began their life together in Vivian.  Gloria started her teaching career that fall.

A few years later they moved to Kennebec and raised a family.  Rodney was born in March of 1962 followed by Dana in February of 1965.  Gloria was active in her church, enjoyed playing Bridge, crocheting and always found time to bake cookies.  She was a fan of basketball, especially the Celtics and Timberwolves and followed Twins baseball.  She was fond of butterflies and gained quite the collection through the years.  Like the butterfly, Gloria accepted her fate in the end, held strong in her faith and transitioned from this life with grace.

Gloria passed away on June 2, 2025 at Edgewood Assisted Living in Pierre, SD.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana Mehrer, her brother, Gene, daughter in-law, Nancy, grandkids: Chaz (Amy) Bowar, Tiarra Bowar, Troy Christensen, Elisha (Brent) Tiede and Alexis (Brandon) Klumb, great grandkids: Jordon Pond, Jesse Bowar, Colton and Ashlyn Tiede and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Charles, son, Rodney, daughter in-law, Donna, son in-law, Arlen, sisters in-law: Mary Schelle and JoAnn Tagtow, grandchild, Laddy Christensen and great grandchild, Tyra Bowar-Choal.