Geraldine Bowers

Geraldine “Gerri” Bowers, 83, of Davenport, Iowa died on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, Davenport.

A private family service will be held at Oakdale Memorial Gardens in Davenport.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bix Biederbecke Memorial Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Gerri was born on February 15, 1939 in Centerville, Iowa the daughter of Daniel and Lucille (Foster) Hurt.  On June 29, 1956, she was united in marriage to Kent L. Bowers in Bettendorf.  He preceded her in death on October 28, 2022.

Gerri was a devoted wife, mom & homemaker.  She spent countless hours at Oakdale Memorial Gardens restoring, documenting, and gathering background information for the many orphan’s graves at the cemetery.  She also was a vital part of the care of the unknown soldier’s graves as well.

Gerri and Kent were avid supporters and members of the Bix Jazz Society where Gerri served as historian for many years and the Catfish Jazz Society as well.  Gerri’s interest and knowledge of the history of Bix Biederbecke led her to publish a book simply entitled “Bix.”  In addition, Gerri spent many years serving as genealogist at the Davenport Library.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Stephanie (Dave) Davis of Rock Island, Illinois, Melissa (Jim Moreno) Boone of Bettendorf and Stacey (Scott) Zindel of Davenport; her grandchildren, Sara (Mike) Toliver of Bettendorf, Kent (Christina) Boone of Davenport and Stephanie (K.C.) Knutson in Wisconsin; her great-grandchildren, Henry Toliver, Gauge “Monte” Boone, Daniella Boone and Libby Knutson.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joe Hurt, Elmer Hurt, Lester Hurt, Floyd Hurt, Howard Hurt, James Hurt, Franklin Hurt and Dorothy Reynolds.

Online condolences may be shared with Gerri’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.