Arlo Bower Obituary (1937 - 2025) - Gig Harbor, Washington

Arlo Raymond Bower was born on August 29, 1937. He grew up on a farm in Kendall County, illinois about 40 miles SW of Chicago. 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 4 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, Nebraska. 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 on November 3, 2025 in Gig Harbor, Washington where he and Marilyn moved to be near family.