Dolores J. Bowers

Dolores J. Bowers, 87, of Mason City, Iowa passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Health Center on Thursday, August 27, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at St. James Lutheran Church, with Pastor Sid Bohls officiating. Visitation will be open at the church from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will take place after the service at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials in Dolores' honor may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church.

Dolores Jane Paulsen was born July 2, 1939 in Hampton, Iowa, one of four children to Paul and Doris (Broers) Paulsen. She was raised in the Mason City area, and graduated from Mason City High School in 1957. After, she continued her education at Mason City Junior College, and later attended several courses at NIACC. Dolores would hold several odd-jobs throughout her earlier years, including at a veterinarian's office and grocery warehouse, but spent the majority of her career as a legal secretary for Brown, Dresser, & Kinsey, a law firm now known as Brown, Kinsey, Funkhouser & Lander. She remained in their employment for over 30 years until her retirement in 2004.

Dolores was blessed with two sons, Daniel and David, who were raised by Dolores and her parents on the family farm. She was a very supportive and loving mother and provided well for her family. As she was later blessed with grand- and great-grandchildren, Dolores became the cornerstone of the family, ensuring all gathered for holidays and other joyous occasions on the farm. She would frequently take trips with her sons, siblings, parents, and other family, of which those to county fairs were some of her favorites. In later years she would enjoy bus tours around the Midwest with her sister Karen and aunt Elnora.

Faith was foundational for Dolores. She was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City, from her baptism shortly after her birth to her confirmation in 1954 and all through the rest of her years, remained deeply involved in the activities and gatherings at St. James. Her sons recall that more often than not, conversations with Dolores would come back to her faith. Dolores always did her best to embody what she believed, and was kindhearted in all things, generous with her time to help those in need, and consistent in her contributions to charity.

In her free time, Dolores enjoyed staying active around the farm. She made sure to walk her three miles on the treadmill well into her late 70s. She enjoyed flowers and photography, often combining the two on her travels with her family. Dolores was a beacon of faith, love, and life to those who knew her, and she will be sorely missed.

Dolores is survived by her sons, Daniel (Donna) and David (Lisa) Bowers; grandchildren, Julian (Desiree) Mora, Troy (Cynthia) Bowers, and Ambrose; four great-grandchildren; her siblings, Karen and Ronald (Linda) Paulsen; and her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Doris Paulsen, and an infant brother, Donald.