Eileen was born in Soperton, Wisconsin, on Saturday, April 15, 1916, the daughter of William and Pearl (Peebles) Hartman. She grew up in the area, graduating from Wabeno High School with the Class of 1934.
On November 16, 1935, she married Claude Bowman in Wabeno. When the weather would not permit her to enjoy her garden outdoors, she spent time inside enjoying quilting, baking, reading, and listening to music. She was even known to listen to her music loud enough to share with the neighbors across the lake. Most of all, though, she enjoyed the time spent with her family, and her many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will sadly miss her.
She is survived by four daughters Pat (Allen) Urbanek of Suring, WI; June (Carl) Jeranek of Hibbing, MN; Mary (Gary) Scheuerman of Athelstane, WI, and Cindy Bowman of Townsend; four sons Harry (Barbara) Bowman of Kewaunee, WI; Albert Bowman of White Lake, WI; Robert Bowman of Townsend, Claude (Jill) Bowman of Townsend; two sisters Esther Patterson of Green Bay, WI; Ethel Bintz of Antigo, WI; one brother, Gene (Naomi) Hartmann of Ashland, WI. Eileen is further survived by 29 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Claude; a son, Lewis; two sisters, Fern Schmoll and Inez Gregg; three brothers-in-law Clayton Patterson, Leo Schmoll, and Bill Bintz; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Bowman; and a grandson, Allen Urbanek.
The family received friends and relatives from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, at the Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church in Lakewood. Pastor Linda Martin led the funeral services 11 a.m. Friday, June 29, at the church. Following services, Eileen was taken in formal procession to the Forest Home Cemetery in Townsend, where she was laid to rest next to her husband. Suminski Funeral Home given the privilege of serving the family.