Johanna Else Bowman passed away at the age of 97 on October 12, 2026, at her daughter’s home in DeKalb, IL. She was born in 1929 in the village of Rückingen, Germany, to Wilhelm and Karolina Richter. In 1966, she married her second husband, John Bowman. Together, they relocated to the U.S., where she made her life.

Johanna loved her family, her garden, and visits with loved ones in the U.S. and in Germany. Her independent, indomitable spirit let her make a warm home wherever she landed, from her small town roots in Germany to a life with her husband in South Carolina, and, at the end, to Illinois to live with her youngest daughter. She was known for finding clever, pragmatic fixes to life’s little problems. Although she was generally reserved in public, with friends and loved ones, she shared her sense of humor and her sassy side. Wherever she found herself, Johanna could be counted on to do her duty as a colleague, neighbor, friend, and long-term caregiver to John.

Johanna is survived by three children from her first marriage and their families (Friedel, Inge, and Karola) and by her sister (Elli) and her family. She was preceded in death by her second husband, John; by her parents; and by her brother, Gunter. She will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank Johanna’s care team at Northern Illinois Hospice, especially nurse Tina, CNAs Amy and Emma, and volunteer Twana, whose kind support allowed Johanna to live out her days at home. A private celebration of life will be held for her at a later date. Local arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.