Dr. Marvin Brandt “Pops” Bower, age 81, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Elgin, South Carolina. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Brandt lived a life of service, joy, and unwavering faith.

Born on April 17, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brandt was the only son of Marvin Witte Bower and Selma Alvine Hildebrandt. He was a mentor, best friend and role model throughout his life to his five sisters. He pursued his formal education at the Marquette School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, where he laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span more than four decades. For 42 years, Dr. Bower, affectionately known as Doc, served as a dedicated dentist in Hartford, Wisconsin. He cherished each of his patients and treated them with the same warmth and care he extended to everyone he met. Some flew thousands of miles to be treated by him.

Brandt’s devotion to his family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Rose (Bredenbroker) Bower, with whom he built a legacy of love and faith for 57 years–one that will continue for eternity. Together they raised six children: Justin, Kevin (Ginger), Kent (Mary), Janene Stephan (Matt), Jamie Read (Charles), and Janette Higginbotham (Matt). He loved and cherished each of his 24 grandchildren: Kyle, Katelyn, Hadley, Erika, Maya, Carson, Logan, Madison (Jake), Alex, Mitchell (Jade), Myla (Lincoln), Paris, Jada, Ella, Jonas, Phoenix, Tate, QZ, Kendrick, Kallin, Sophia (Koby), Micah (Estelle), Nena, and Ezra, along with his three great-grandchildren: William, Korra and Vin (with Neo expected in October).

Brandt also leaves behind his sisters Dahnelle Smith (Duane), Lael Ruffner, Bethne Hickcox (Brent), Gaylene Raynor (Eric), and Geneace Lamprecht (Dan); sisters-in-law Daun Young (Charlie), Melody Hughes (Bruce), Brook Petersen and Barbara Baker; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles who were so dear to him. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law Keith Cowan, Mark Petersen and Paul Ruffner.

A man of many talents and passions, Brandt was a Senior World Champion Racquetball Player whose competitive spirit was matched only by his humility. He found joy in music as a pianist and peace in tending to his garden. His favorite moments were spent surrounded by family, playing card games, falling asleep to movies, and traveling together on cruises or to Lake Powell. These traditions became treasured memories that will live on for generations. He also loved playing with his grandchildren and especially celebrating each grandchild’s twelfth birthday with a special trip. Each was nicknamed “Mouse” and knew they were his favorite.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brandt was deeply committed to his faith. As a young adult, he served a mission in West Germany for 3 years. His favorite calling at church was playing the piano in the Primary for the little children. He served faithfully as a temple worker in both the Chicago Illinois Temple for 14 years and the Cedar City Utah Temple for 10 years. His life embodied the principles he held dear: kindness without condition and service without hesitation. To know him was truly to love him. With a ready smile and a poorly-timed dad joke always at hand, Brandt made friends wherever he went. He lifted others through quiet acts of service and constant encouragement.

Brandt was a true disciple of Jesus Christ who lived with gratitude and grace. Families are forever. God be with you until we meet again, our dear Pops.

A funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2830 West Cody Drive, Cedar City UT 84720, on August 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A viewing will precede the service from 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM.

Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 N 300 W, Cedar City, UT 84720 is in charge of arrangements.