Erna M. Bowdish

Erna M. Bowdish, 85, of Cassopolis, passed away, Friday, May 20, 2016 at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.  A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Cass County Medical Care Facility or the Cass County Animal Shelter. Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel & Cremation Services in Dowagiac. Those wishing to sign Erna’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com.  Erna was born June 13, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustov and Hedwig (Reddel) Knakfus. On February 5, 1949, she married Wayne J. Bowdish, Sr. in Harvey, Illinois. Erna was a licensed cosmetologist and enjoyed working as a hairdresser out of her home. She most recently was a sales representative at Jellystone Campground in Portage, Indiana. Erna was a longtime member of the Women of the Moose Lodge #1508 in Dowagiac.  Erna is survived by her son, Wayne J. (Yvonne) Bowdish, Jr. of Peoria, Illinois; daughter, Judith (James) Silvia of Dowagiac; four grandchildren, Lisa, Kimberly, Wayne III and Raymond; and six great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne J. Bowdish, Sr. and a daughter, Barbara J. Davis.