Nick Bower (1994-2022)

BOWER, SABERS, UPDEGRAFF

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/6/2022 at 20:08:05

Nick Bower, 28, of Dubuque, IA died by suicide on July 2, 2022.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A remembrance service will take place at 5:00 p.m. with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Nick was born on February 1, 1994, the son of Jeff and Tina (Sabers) Bower. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 2012 and left for the Marines shortly after. Nick was proud to serve in the infantry in the Marine, or as he said, “The tip of the spear.” He was promoted several times and ended with the rank of Sargent. He was deployed twice to Okinawa and earned many awards such as a Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Performance of Duty. He was honorably discharged in 2016.

Nick had a lifetime passion for mechanics, which started with putting his pedal car up on blocks and working on it with his Little Tikes Tools when he was 2. After his discharge from the Marines he attended the Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL where he became a master mechanic. He worked at Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque before eventually becoming a service writer at McGrath Chevrolet in Dubuque.

Nick struggled with his own demons but was quick to smile and gave the best hugs. Although he was the youngest, he teased his sisters mercilessly. He was the go-to guy for his friends. If anyone called he would drop everything to help them, and he would sit for hours talking to another vet.

He is survived by his parents, sisters Julia (Mark) Updegraff and Kelly Bower, both of Dubuque; Grandmothers Darlean Sabers of Dubuque, and June Bower, of Creston, IA, and Grandfather David Bower of Pella, IA; 13 Aunts and Uncles;32 cousins; family dogs Petey, Beau, and Charlie, and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gene Sabers.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. 1-800-273-8255