Gerald James Bowerly Jr.

Dr. Gerald "Jerry" James Bowerly Jr. was born June 15, 1920 in Sheldon, Iowa to Gerald James Bowerly Sr. and Eva Mae Johnson. He entered Heaven on October 30, 2019, at age 99, while residing at Avamere in Keizer, Oregon.
Jerry, one of 5 children, was raised on a farm in Minnesota and eventually headed west to Oregon where he studied at U. of O. and Northwestern School of Dentistry in Portland prior to becoming Keizer’s first dentist. His career carried into the Navy where he faithfully served our country, achieving the honor and rank of Captain. He was one of our last remaining WWII Veterans. He modeled unswerving Patriotism, loyalty and love of our country. Also known as “Captain” or “Chief”, Jerry spent his last years at Avamere in Keizer sharing life with many of his former patients, best friend, Opal and life-long friend, Dr. Vern Casterline, who together shared Keizer’s first medical-dental clinic.
As Dr. Bowerly wrote:
"At age 15, my parents moved to Eugene, Oregon. I went to Mohawk High School in a lumber town in Marcola. I joined the Civilian Conservation Corps for 13 months, and was a Doctor's Assistant. I went to U. of O. for two years of pre-dentistry. In my senior year, I joined the Navy as a Mid-Shipman."
Jerry began working nights, convincing the Hyster Guard to allow him to begin filing orders. That evening he met the love of his life, Margaret Zieg, who worked in sales near the filing area. Many glances were exchanged behind the reception desk where she worked. Each night he would walk her hand-in-hand to the street car. March 4th, 1944 at the Evangelical Church in Portland during Jerry's senior year, they were married.
"At graduation, I was commissioned as a Lt. J.G. and given orders to the Naval Training Center in San Diego. My next orders were to Japan, but while on the ship the notice came in that I was eligible for discharge as the war was over. I was sent to the marines in Hilo, Hawaii until getting a ship to come home (It was 1946)."
"I started my practice in the Morgan building in Portland, but after several years we (Margo and I) didn't want our children raised in the city. I started looking at prospects in suburban towns. One of my patients in Portland was a cousin of a classmate at Mohawk High. She also informed me that another cousin had just graduated from medical school, Dr. Vernon Casterline, and was going to practice in Keizer. 'Where's Keizer?' I asked. I had never heard of it. So I called Vern and he helped me secure the opening for a dentist. The clinic was divided with one half for the pharmacy and the other for medical and dental."
Jerry called Keizer, at that time, a "Bedroom community" where people commuted to nearby towns for work. He described Keizer as having: the 1916 Elementary School, a gas station, a grocery store, Coomler & Franz Hardware, Dorothy & Chuck Teeters bakery, The Peterson's Cupboard Cafe, a meat market and food locker, and boasting groves of surrounding filbert and walnut trees. He described the "Mambrin Gardens" to be the elite subdivision and the spacious homes along Rivercrest Drive. By 1950, they bought a small home on Will Avenue (now 7th Ave.).
"After our equipment was installed, Dr. Casterline and I shared the reception room. The owners of the bakery were publishing the Keizer News and they put the word out about our new clinic and the doctors. From the first day of practice I never had a day without patients."
"Two years later, I received orders from the 13th Naval District with orders to report within 30 days for active duty at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton (1954) for another 18 months. I got another dentist to take over my practice until I got back, and found a renter for the house (one of his patients)."
"When I returned, most of my patients came back. I practiced for 10 years then moved to a new dental clinic at the end of Linda Ave. in Keizer. I stayed in the Naval Reserve practicing dentistry one night a week at the VA in Salem for my training duty, and I retired in 1980 at the rank of, Captain."
"Keizer has been a great place to live and raise our family, and it is still in spite of its rapid growth. We are proud of our city." -Jerry
As a civilian, Jerry became a Charter member of the Lions Club, member of Rotary, first president of the Keizer Art Association, member of the Salem-Keizer School Board Budget Committee, Board Member of the Keizer Heritage Community Center, and was an active member and leader in his church.
Jerry enjoyed family vacations at Detroit Lake playing Shanghai, sipping peppermint tea and “daylight in the swamps” early morning fishing adventures with kids and grands. He loved hiking, camping, water skiing to age 76 and snow skiing to age 84, travel, music, studying God’s Word and writing notes of encouragement to widows, shut-ins and many of us. He loved everyone and “lived life large”.
Jerry and Margo raised their four children in Keizer: Dave (Dr. David Bowerly-deceased), Judy, Ron and Laura. Jerry and Margo remained in Keizer for over 65 years. In 2017, after 71 wonderful years together, God called Margo Home.
Dr. Jerry Bowerly is survived by daughter Judy Luse/Walt of Redmond, OR., son Ron/Shaaron and daughter Laura Heiman of Salem, OR., 9 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Service will be held November 23, 2019, at 10am, Keizer Funeral Chapel, 4365 River Road N., Keizer, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested contributions be given to the Salem Evangelical Church, Youth Camp Scholarship Fund. Please call Shirley at 503-581-0102.
Please join us in remembering our loved one by visiting www.keizerchapel.com . Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts, fond memories and photos.