Denver L. Nower
October 11th, 1943 - August 25th, 2022
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Denver's Obituary
Denver L. Nower, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022, in Kalamazoo.
Denver had lived his adult years in St. Joseph with his wife Renee (Hoffmann) with his family nearby.
Denver was born in Peoria, IL, on October 11, 1943, to Denver and Marie McClellan. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Michigan and settled in Lawrence. His mother later remarried Dale Nower, with Dale adopting Denver as his son. Denver attended Lawrence Public Schools, where he played on both baseball and basketball teams, graduating in 1962. After graduation he obtained positions with the Van Buren Road Commission, then United Parcel Service and Whirlpool Corporation.
Denver served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. When honorably discharged, he had earned the rank od Specialist 5th Class. He returned to Michigan and his position with Whirlpool Corporation. He retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in August, 2009 after 25 years of service.
Denver was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers and attended several games on their home fields. His love of sports passed to his children and granddaughters. In later years, he would often attend the game of both girls and took great pride in their talent, as they both excelled in softball and basketball.
He was a lifetime bowler and achieved the pinnacle of success by bowling two perfect (300) games thereby securing a place in the Pro Bowling Hall of Fame. He was presented with a ring and watch for his accomplishments. He won the respect of his teammates and other local bowlers.
Denver was a member of American Legion Post #331 of Bridgman.
Denver is survived by his wife Renee; his children, Michael (Anne Marie) Nower and Kimberly Nower both of Kalamazoo; he was a grandfather to two lovely granddaughters Haleigh and Allison Nower; former wife Vickie Nower; sister Linda (Phillip) Marshall of Lawrence; mother- in-law Dorothy Hicks; brother-in-law Joe (Nancy) Hoffmann; sister-in-law Sondra Hoffmann of St. Joseph.
Denver was preceded in death by brothers, Jerry & James Nower; sister Wilma Nower and brother-in-law Tony Hoffmann.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 12PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Eric Jarvis officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 10AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO BOX 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Denver had lived his adult years in St. Joseph with his wife Renee (Hoffmann) with his family nearby.
Denver was born in Peoria, IL, on October 11, 1943, to Denver and Marie McClellan. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Michigan and settled in Lawrence. His mother later remarried Dale Nower, with Dale adopting Denver as his son. Denver attended Lawrence Public Schools, where he played on both baseball and basketball teams, graduating in 1962. After graduation he obtained positions with the Van Buren Road Commission, then United Parcel Service and Whirlpool Corporation.
Denver served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. When honorably discharged, he had earned the rank od Specialist 5th Class. He returned to Michigan and his position with Whirlpool Corporation. He retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in August, 2009 after 25 years of service.
Denver was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers and attended several games on their home fields. His love of sports passed to his children and granddaughters. In later years, he would often attend the game of both girls and took great pride in their talent, as they both excelled in softball and basketball.
He was a lifetime bowler and achieved the pinnacle of success by bowling two perfect (300) games thereby securing a place in the Pro Bowling Hall of Fame. He was presented with a ring and watch for his accomplishments. He won the respect of his teammates and other local bowlers.
Denver was a member of American Legion Post #331 of Bridgman.
Denver is survived by his wife Renee; his children, Michael (Anne Marie) Nower and Kimberly Nower both of Kalamazoo; he was a grandfather to two lovely granddaughters Haleigh and Allison Nower; former wife Vickie Nower; sister Linda (Phillip) Marshall of Lawrence; mother- in-law Dorothy Hicks; brother-in-law Joe (Nancy) Hoffmann; sister-in-law Sondra Hoffmann of St. Joseph.
Denver was preceded in death by brothers, Jerry & James Nower; sister Wilma Nower and brother-in-law Tony Hoffmann.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 12PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Eric Jarvis officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 10AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO BOX 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO BOX 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741
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