Lauren Lee Bowler passed away on Saturday, October 1st, following a brief illness. He was born in 1942 in Newport News, Virginia, the eldest son of Christine Ruth (Connor) Bowler and Webster Lazell Bowler. Lauren attended public school in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
He was an active Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a senior, he led his high school to a state swimming championship while setting a state record in the 100-yard freestyle. He attended the University of Michigan where he earned a master’s in mechanical engineering and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and the University of Michigan swim team. Shortly after college, Lauren married Susan Amluxen; they were married for 49 years until her death in 2014.
Upon graduation, he was hired by General Motors where he spent his entire career with many noted accomplishments including: Manager of Fuel Injection Systems, Chief Engineer GM CPC, Director of GM Systems Engineering, Director of Engineering for Delphi Engine & Energy Management Division, and Global Vehicle Line Executive (Mid-size Car Program). Post retirement, Lauren co-founded Business Systems Improvement, a consulting firm.
Lauren was also a member of the Lawrence Technological University’s Board of Trustees since 1994. In that capacity, he was an active member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Finance Committee. In 2014, he became the Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee as well. Even when he wintered in Florida, Lauren would always be available by phone to ensure the work of the University and the committees continued to move forward.
Lauren was an avid sailor, spending many hours on Lake St. Clair as a youth on his Sailfish before crewing on many sailing races on the Great Lakes as well as on his Laser class sailboat. He maintained his interest in swimming throughout his life, which he used for both pleasure and staying in shape. He was also an avid snow skier and wood worker.
Lauren is survived by his wife, Jill Adams, his son, Mark Bowler PhD, daughter-in-law Jenifer Bowler PhD, and their three sons, Mason, Mitchell, and Marshall. He was predeceased by his brother Roger and is survived by his brother Glen.
A celebration of life is planned for Wednesday October 5th, 2022, at 10:00am at Christ Church Cranbrook located at 470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.
Lauren was an absolute class gentleman, from high school and all through life, and proof that nice guys DON'T finish last. Enjoyed some times at mini reunions and folding and stuffing quarterly newsletters when we used to do that at his beautiful home on Gilbert Lake. Interesting that at our 62nd reunion, unlike many of us, you could still recognize Lauren from his high school photo.
I was shocked to learn of Lauren's death. While I did not attend the recent reunion, the photos show him to be in good health. The only good news in this is that he lived long enough to attend that reunion, as I know he, and Susan (prior to her death), were very active in the preparation & hosting @ the reunions. My condolences to his wife, family & close friends. May your happy memories of his life bring smiles.
On October 1st with the wind and spray on his face, Lauren Bowler set sail on the Great Voyage to Distant Shores. Even now, as his departing sailboat is fading on the far horizon, burgee flying high, sails trimmed perfectly, his hands on the tiller holding firmly to his course.
Each night when darkness comes we will look again and find his masthead light the unfailing beacon that was his life,
Thank you Lauren for all of the great times we shared over the years!
Skol!
Peter & Cheri Aronsson
(The above In Memory Posting sent on behalf of Peter & Cheri Aronsson)
For those of us who were there, who can forget Lauren’s thrilling victory in the state's 100-yard free style swimming final? At that moment, we began to hope that just maybe the whole team could take home the state championship.
And since then, Lauren has been a constant friend of classmates and a generous supporter of reunion events.
Like Joan, I was shocked by his passing. We counted on him always being there.
Martin J. LaFave
My condolences to the Bowler family.
Lauren and I grew up near Kirby Field, and skated in the winter. I played hockey, but I remember him
wearing racer skates. Lauren and I played on the undefeated Pittsburg Pirates little league team in
1954. I always remember him as a great teammate. RIP Lauren.
Marty LaFave
Stephen H. Ernst
Lauren was an absolute class gentleman, from high school and all through life, and proof that nice guys DON'T finish last. Enjoyed some times at mini reunions and folding and stuffing quarterly newsletters when we used to do that at his beautiful home on Gilbert Lake. Interesting that at our 62nd reunion, unlike many of us, you could still recognize Lauren from his high school photo.
Marshall R. Noecker
Very sorry we are without Lauren. A solid guy!
Gene F. Lambert
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Bowler family. Our GPHS class of 1960 has truely lost one our shining stars.
Lauren's commitment to family, friends, career and community will always be remembered and admired.
Rest in peace my friend.
Gene Lambert
James P. Thistlethwaite
A true gentleman: smart, talented, kind and humble, and always a warm smile and friendly greeting to everyone. We all are richer for having known him.
Janine Amorello (Scensny)
So sorry to hear about Lauren.
It was so good to see him at the 1960 Class Reunion.
He will be missed Condolences to the family
Joan E. Kasabach (Swain)
I was shocked to learn of Lauren's death. While I did not attend the recent reunion, the photos show him to be in good health. The only good news in this is that he lived long enough to attend that reunion, as I know he, and Susan (prior to her death), were very active in the preparation & hosting @ the reunions. My condolences to his wife, family & close friends. May your happy memories of his life bring smiles.
Patricia L. Hagland (Whitledge)
God Speed Lauren Bowler…..
On October 1st with the wind and spray on his face, Lauren Bowler set sail on the Great Voyage to Distant Shores. Even now, as his departing sailboat is fading on the far horizon, burgee flying high, sails trimmed perfectly, his hands on the tiller holding firmly to his course.
Each night when darkness comes we will look again and find his masthead light the unfailing beacon that was his life,
Thank you Lauren for all of the great times we shared over the years!
Skol!
Peter & Cheri Aronsson
(The above In Memory Posting sent on behalf of Peter & Cheri Aronsson)
Holmes Brown
For those of us who were there, who can forget Lauren’s thrilling victory in the state's 100-yard free style swimming final? At that moment, we began to hope that just maybe the whole team could take home the state championship.