RAPID CITY- Frank Leo Bowers, 47, passed away unexpected on January 3, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 4, 1972 to Robert S. Bowers and Elizabeth J (Schneider) Bowers at Ellsworth AFB, SD. He attended the Douglas School System from Kindergarten through 12 th grade, graduating in 1990. While working as a security guard for SCI, he attended Black Hills State University, graduating in 1994 with degrees in Criminal Justice, Business, and Political Science.

After graduation, he worked as a Job Coach for participants from Black Hills Workshop, assisting each to grow in skills and behaviors to their full potential and collaborating businesses to obtain a valued employee. He worked with Project Solutions to fulfill the mission of the grants awarded to the owner, Sandy Burns, and associates. He owned and operated the Midas Auto Service Experts since 2000, garnering many kudos for his customer service.  He was very civic minded being active as time allowed in Young Professionals, The Autistic Association, National Rifle Association, etc. His business helped support young sports participants, Love Inc., the Lions Club, Adult Day Center participants, the Optimist Club, and Workforce Diversity etc.

Throughout his life, he was an avid sports fan and participant.  Soccer was his focus for his elementary and secondary years in school.  He played with the Rushmore Traveling team enjoying success in the game as well as the bonding with lifelong friends. He was an avid skier both in the snow and in the water. Scuba Diving took him to the depths of Pactola as well as many other diving sites throughout the United States. He loved nature and spent lots of recreational time in the hills camping, hiking, and exploring many off-road sites. His trips on his Harley or in his Fiat, gave him great relaxation and embellished his love of nature. He was a dedicated gardener, maintaining a meticulous garden in his back yard; the produce, which he harvested, canned, and frozen for gifts and winter utilization. He was a prolific reader of all genres but favored historical novels. Above all his interests was his love of participating in varied types of activities with his family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Mason (Sara) Knudtson, a service member in the Coast Guard; his daughter, Annabelle Bowers, a senior at Stevens High School and his mother, Elizabeth J. "Betty B" Bowers, from Rapid City and special friend, Laura Whitney.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents: Frank and Mildred Bowers of New York and Leo and Elizabeth Schneider of O'Neill, Nebraska; several Aunts, Uncles and cousins; and many friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2019 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with a Christian Wake Service and time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. where all are invited to share their experiences with Frank during his life

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the corner of Cathedral Drive and Fifth Street in Rapid City. The family invites all guests to a special meal of thanksgiving immediately after the service in the Parish Hall.