Arlo Raymond Bower was born Aug. 29, 1937.
He grew up on a farm in Kendall County, Illinois about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. His parents were Arnold Raymond Bower and Alberta Bower. Arlo was the first person in his family to graduate from college. Following graduation from North Central College, he attended Officer Training School and became an Ensign in the Navy. The Navy was one of his life's passions. He served four years active and 20 plus in the Reserves, retiring as a Commander. A highlight for him was swearing his daughter, Wendy, into the Navy. She became a Naval officer and Nurse Practitioner.
His occupation was as Human Resource Manager for an automotive parts plant in Seward. Later in life, he took up long-distance bicycle riding. After retirement, he went on a number of state and multi-state rides. The longest were following the Lewis and Clark route. He rode it twice, once in each direction. Other interests were barbershop singing and comics.
Surviving Arlo are his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Wendy Swearingen; grandson and wife, Zachary and Katie Glover; and brother, Dennis Bower. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Frank; and grandson, Taylor Swearingen.
Arlo died Nov. 3, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Washington, where he and Marilyn moved to be near family.
Arrangements by Haven of Rest Funeral Home in Gig Harbor, Washington.
