JAY BOWLER

Jay Bowler, age 77, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, September 17 at Corewell Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, after battling esophageal cancer.

Born on December 28, 1946, in Monroe, Michigan, Jay attended St. Mary School and graduated from Monroe Catholic Central in 1965. After high school, Jay began his career at La-Z-Boy before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he trained as a radar repairman. While stationed in Pickstown, Jay met the love of his life, JoAnn (Filipek). They were married in her hometown of Wagner and shared 56 beautiful years together.

Following his military service, Jay and JoAnn returned to Monroe, where he began a long career with Detroit Edison. He retired from the instrument repair division. Together, they raised two children, Michelle and Bill, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Jay is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his two children: Michelle Shonessy (Jeanette Cocke) and William 'Bill' Bowler (Kristin); and his grandchildren: Emma and Ethan Bowler.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Leonard; stepfather, Benjamin Leonard; his father-in-law and motherin- law, William and Dorothy Filipek; and his brother-inlaw, Robert Filipek.

Visitation was Friday, September 20 at Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe, Michigan with military honors by VFW Post 1138, Monroe. Jay’s brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Filipek passed away September 1, 2024; the family would like to also celebrate Bob during this time. Jay will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome. com.