MASON CITY — Dolores J. Bowers, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. SE, Mason City, with Pastor Sid Bohls officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. before the service. Inurnment will follow at 1 p.m. at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Dolores’ honor may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church.
Dolores Jane Paulsen was born July 2, 1939, in Hampton, one of four children born to Paul and Doris (Broers) Paulsen. She grew up in the Mason City area and graduated from Mason City High School in 1957.
She continued her education at Mason City Junior College and later completed additional courses at North Iowa Area Community College.
Dolores held several jobs during her younger years, including positions at a veterinary office and grocery warehouse. She spent most of her career as a legal secretary with Brown, Dresser & Kinsey, the Mason City law firm now known as Brown, Kinsey, Funkhouser & Lander.
Her dedication and professionalism helped her build a career spanning more than 30 years. Dolores remained with the firm until retiring in 2004.
Dolores was the loving mother of two sons, Daniel and David, whom she raised with the help of her parents on the family farm. She worked hard to provide for her family and remained a dependable and supportive presence throughout their lives.
As grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family, Dolores became its cornerstone. She made certain loved ones came together at the farm for holidays, celebrations and other joyful occasions.
Family trips created some of her most treasured memories. Dolores traveled with her sons, parents, siblings and extended family, with visits to county fairs ranking among her favorites. During her later years, she enjoyed taking bus tours throughout the Midwest with her sister, Karen, and aunt, Elnora.
Faith guided Dolores throughout her life. She was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church shortly after her birth, confirmed there in 1954 and remained an active lifelong member of the congregation.
She participated faithfully in church activities and gatherings, and her sons remembered that conversations with their mother often returned to her Christian faith.
Dolores worked to live according to her beliefs. She was kindhearted, generous with her time, ready to help people in need and consistent in supporting charitable causes.
She also enjoyed staying active around the family farm. Dolores continued walking three miles on her treadmill well into her late 70s. Flowers and photography were among her favorite interests, and she often combined those passions while traveling with her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Daniel (Donna) Bowers and David (Lisa) Bowers; grandchildren, Julian (Desiree) Mora, Troy (Cynthia) Bowers and Ambrose; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Karen and Ronald (Linda) Paulsen; and members of her extended family.
Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Doris Paulsen, and her infant brother, Donald.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. To view Dolores’ complete obituary and share a memory, please click here.
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