Jennifer E. (Perry) Bowyer

Jennifer Bowyer (Perry) was promoted to Glory on October 23, 2025, at 3:45 a.m. She was born on June 21, 1968, in Rockford, IL. She is a graduate of Rockford East High School. On November 25, 1989, she married Paul Bowyer at the Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps. They have three children, Joshua Bowyer (Darby), Nikki Lopez (Jonathan), and Emma Nguyen (Robinson).  In 2005, Jennifer and her family moved to Warsaw, IN to complete her nurse’s training thru Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN. In June of 2008, she graduated as a Registered Nurse. Her family moved back to Rockford, IL and she began her nursing career at Swedish American Hospital. 

In 2018, Paul was presented with an opportunity to enter into full time ministry with the Salvation Army. Paul and Jennifer knew that the opportunity was meant for both of them, and they began their new life as Officers (Pastors) in the Salvation Army, becoming full Captains in June of 2023. Just prior to this happening, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. She battled the disease as they served for the next 2.5 years.

Captain Paul and Jennifer are the Administrators of the Rockford Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. A place where men get help from decisions that have caused their lives to become unmanageable.  A place where opportunity is presented for change, reconciliation, and hope for their future.  Jennifer, with a firm hand and loving heart, was a guiding light for countless men who, if they chose, made positive decisions for their lives that affected not only them but their families. She served faithfully. Trusting God every step of the way.

In August 2024, Jennifer’s cancer metastasized to her skull. In January of 2025, surgery was performed to remove an orange-sized tumor. After high doses of radiation, she began infusions, which caused a significant drain on her immune system. After suffering from pneumococcal pneumonia, and was not able to physically recover. So God healed her!   While her family is sad to carry on in life without her, they are very secure knowing that she is free from pain and suffering, and living in the presence of Jesus.

Her legacy lives on through her husband, Paul, her children, and their spouses. Her 4 beautiful granddaughters: Gloria Kay, Noella Mae, Lucia Dae, and Rosalina Faye. Her mother, Elna Carlson.  Mother-in-law Donna Bowyer. Her father, Steve Fuehrer. Step-mother, Vicki Ehman. Brother, Jeff Fuehrer. Sister Penny Fuehrer.  And several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jennifer - is whole once again.

Special thanks to Honquest Family Funeral Home for their wonderful care.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennifer E. (Perry) Bowyer, please visit our floral store.