Nicholas J. Bowers

Nicholas J. Bowers, 40, of Bourbonnais, formerly of Manteno, passed away surrounded by the love of his family Sunday, June 7, 2026, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 7, 1986, in Kankakee, the son of Jerry and Cindy (Clutz) Bowers. He graduated from Manteno High School, Class of 2004. Nick was an Owner-Operator for Norton Trucking. On February 15, 2020, he married Stephanie R. Burton at the Manteno Sportsman’s Club. Nick loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. His boys were his pride and joy, even if he didn't always show it in obvious ways. He was known for his sharp sarcasm, quick wit, and always having the perfect comeback ready. Whether he was blasting his favorite music, watching wrestling, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Nick did everything with enthusiasm. He was a devoted Packers fan and never hesitated to let fans of other teams know they were WRONG. He loved a cold beer and considered himself a true beer enthusiast.. and got a good kick out of “drive by icing” all his friends & family. He was the undisputed king of trolling, stirring up debates on Facebook just for the fun and a constant stream of inappropriate memes. He was also famous for dodging family photos whenever possible and flashing his trademark one-finger salute for the camera when he couldn't escape. One of Nick's favorite ways to unwind was taking a ride on his Harley alongside his wife, friends, and cousins. Nick's humor, stubbornness, loyalty, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Stephanie Bowers of Bourbonnais; sons, Clayton Bowers, Brayden(Kendi Andrews-Earling) Alejos, and Munka Alejos; mother, Cindy Bowers of Buckingham; siblings; Heather (Phil) Skroko of Watseka and Samantha Bowers of Buckingham; grandmother, Barbara Jean Clutz of Buckingham; in laws, Kelly (Buba) Johnson of Manteno and Duane (Julie) Hill of Manteno; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Ray (Sami) Burton of Bourbonnais, Morgan (Robert) Schmalz of Aurora, and Michelle Hill of Manteno; nieces and nephews, Reese (Jonna), Blake, Carson, Anthony, Ethan, Owen, Cianna, Lyla, Luca, Lucy, Dominic, Amari, Sylas, Zayah, Charlotte, Maizey, Finn, Isaiah, Antonio, Lorenzo, Jaxson, Niko, Autumn, Emily, and Drake; great niece and nephew, Brynlee and Layne; special cousins, Jeremy Rutan, Donald Rutan, and Lindsay Hill; beloved southern family; best friends, Brett (Krystal) Vanmeter, Randy (Jessica Hafner) Cast, John (Kailey Welker) Tackett, Ashley (Lucas Gibson) Alejos, and Jessica Jendrzejak; as well as several aunts, uncles, and many other beloved family & friends; as well as loving dog, Millie. Nick is preceded in death by his son, Jordy Ray Bowers; father, Jerry Bowers; uncle, Lewis Bowers; aunt, Becky Rutan; maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law, Raymond Burton; Aunt Shelly; and beloved dog Trixie. Visitation will be held Monday, June 15, 2026, from 4pm until 8pm at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. A second visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10am until the funeral service at 11am at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. Burial will immediately follow at Limestone Cemetery. After burial, there will be a celebration of life held at the Bowers’ household, the family kindly requests you bring your favorite dish or snack to share with everyone. Please remember to wear Green Bay Packer’s or Harley Davidson’s attire in honor of Nick’s favorite things. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. There will be a memorial benefit held at The Office Bar & Grill, Kankakee on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2pm to help the family in this time of need.

Nicholas J. Bowers

February 7, 1986 - June 7, 2026