Almira Augusta (DeKelver) Rentmeester Bowers, 101, was called to her eternal home on Tuesday evening, May 4, 2021. She was born August 4, 1919, in Bellevue to the late Peter and Eliza (DeGrave) DeKelver and baptized into the Catholic faith. On June 7, 1931, she received her first communion at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Almira married Gordon Rentmeester on October 29, 1938. Together, they raised a family of four sons and a daughter. Gordon preceded her in death October 19, 1978. Almira later married LeRoy Bowers on May 19, 1984. He preceded her in death on November 8, 1996.
Almira did her part in assisting the World War II effort by working at Hoberg Paper (now Procter & Gamble). She and Gordon were members of the VFW Winiecki Post 9677. Almira was a noted cook, being the head of the Prange’s Department Store Grill during the 1960’s and 1970’s. She also cooked for the Rebekah Club and Danceland. She was a longtime member of St. Philip Parish and the Altar Rosary Society. Almira enjoyed traveling, card playing, especially bridge and cribbage, doing word search puzzles and trying her luck at bingo.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Aldrich; three sons and four daughters-in-law, Lee and Bonnie Rentmeester, Charles “Chuck” and Dianne Rentmeester, Gary and Sharon Rentmeester; Barbara Rentmeester; 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, David Rentmeester; son-in-law, Gordon Aldrich; two grandchildren, Justin Rentmeester and Kris Leroy; great-granddaughter, Millie Rentmeester; sisters, Mabel Van Rens, Ida Piotrowski and Myrtle Deprey; infant sister Mildred; brothers John “Jack”, Raymond, Elmer and Winfred DeKelver; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Entombment will be in Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
Almira’s family would like to thank the staff of Odd Fellow Rebekah Home and Aurora at Home Hospice Care for taking such good care of our Mom during her last days. A special thank you also to the staff at Oak Park Place for their care during her residence these past two years.