Wanda Bowlinger Obituary

Wanda K. Bowlinger, 73, foremost a most generous soul, passed into the Lord's hands peacefully on May 23, 2025 at the Benedictine Living Community in Bismarck, ND. Before that, she had lived in Harvey, ND, most recently at SMP Health at St. Aloisius. Services to celebrate her life will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Harvey on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with visitation starting at 12:00 pm and the service beginning at 2:00. Burial will be in the Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey, ND. The service will be streamed live at https://www.harveyfirstlutheran.com/ Wanda was born on November 20, 1951 in Harvey, ND to Hazel and Kenneth (Heavy) Bowlinger. She was extremely active in soft ball as a key power hitter and 3rd baseman for the very successful Bowlinger Roofing girls softball team. She was also involved in band, chorus, and drama in High School. Additionally, she qualified for state in shot put. Wanda was a long-time swimming instructor/lifeguard at the Harvey Swimming Pool. She went on to double major in elementary education and physical education at Minot State College. Wanda was active in Greek Life and joined the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority where she made many lasting friendships. Upon graduating from college, Wanda began her teaching career at Mandaree, ND on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. She taught there for 6 years – thoroughly enjoying the people and the culture. Wanda received many Native American cultural gifts from the parents of her students who realized Wanda's dedication to the improvement of their children's future. She then went on to teach in Walhalla, ND until she retired. She touched many lives and remarkably taught some of her first students' children. Wanda always emphasized teaching life skills. Consistent with many teachers, she spent a great amount of her personal funds purchasing teaching tools she thought would enhance the students' academic and personal growth. There was rarely a time her students weren't greeted with fresh baked goods that Wanda had prepared to make coming to school an enjoyable experience. The staff lounge was often stocked with goodies courtesy of Wanda. After teaching, she returned home to live in Harvey with her mother. Soon, finding the need to again help others with life skills, Wanda began working for HAV-IT Services. She thoroughly enjoyed the work with her developmentally disabled clients – the work was consistent with her nature to teach, nurture and grow others. Wanda worked at HAV-IT for 11 years, developing close friendships with clients and co-workers. Wanda is survived by her mother Hazel, her sister, Eileen Hansen and her brothers, Scott (Lynn Cellini) and Paul (Robin). She is also survived by nieces Jessica and Stephanie Hansen and their children, and nephews Christian and Chance Bowlinger. Wanda was preceded in death by her father Kenneth and her sister DeNae (Norman) Paskowsky. Wanda's greatest love was teaching and enjoying the exploits of her "adopted children" – her nephews Christian and Chance. She had a kind and generous heart and will be deeply missed. Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.