Jerry L. Bower

Selinsgrove – Jerry L. Bower, 72, of Selinsgrove passed away Monday, April 1, 2024 along with his loving wife, Etta Mendler-Bower.

Born on January 5, 1952, he was one of two sons of the late, and greatly missed Donald and Hazel (Varner) Bower, longtime residents of Selinsgrove.

Jerry graduated from Selinsgrove Area High School in 1969. Soon after, he completed the Municipal Police Academy and served as a Point Township Police Officer for a short time. Jerry later found his true passion with the guidance and leadership of his father and became a barber. Together, Jerry and his father expanded their barber business, The Hairquarters, which became a staple in the community located in the square of Selinsgrove. Jerry was incredibly hardworking, loved his business and especially loved his clients. Jerry never met a stranger and made all who knew him feel like family. Jerry passed on his passion to his daughter, Cori, who owns and operates her very own salon and his daughter, Caitlin, followed his footsteps into law enforcement. Most recently, Jerry took an opportunity to pass along his passion and knowledge to his barber apprentice, Jared Reichenbach, who he was incredibly proud of and grateful for.

On April 30, 2016, he married Etta Mendler. Jerry and Etta shared a deep love for one another. Anyone who witnessed the two together could not deny the connection they had. As tragic as this incident has been for anyone who knew the couple, the two truly would not have wanted it any other way.

Jerry was a talented musician and along with some of his closest friends, was a member of two local bands; Jaysenn Grand and Jammer—a time which he reminisced often. Music was another passion Jerry was able to pass along to his daughters. Jerry followed his father’s footsteps to become a proud member of the Lafayette Masonic Lodge #194 in Selinsgrove. Jerry was a proud and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kratzerville.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Cori Smith and her husband, Dan along with grandson, Nirloy Tamang and his wife, Malynda all of McAlisterville. He is also survived by his daughter Caitlin Letteer and granddaughter, Finley Letteer of Orangeville. In addition, Jerry is survived by his beloved younger brother and hunting buddy, Terry Bower of Hawthorn.

A joint Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Zion Lutheran Church, 4298 Route 204 in Kratzerville, with Pastor Stina Schaeffer, officiating. Fellowship will follow the funeral service. Burial services will be private. Arrangements are being cared for by Gotlob-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Service, 539 Race Street, Sunbury, James R. Gotlob, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.GotlobCampbell.Com.