George Kenneth Cowger, age 86, of Grinnell, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at UnityPoint-Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, IA.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with interment at Westfield Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held at the Newburg Chester Church following the burial. Family will greet friends during the visitation held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to the Newburg Chester Church. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

George was born on January 17, 1940, in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota. He was raised in Waverly, Iowa, and later moved to Brooklyn, Iowa, at the age of 16 under the care of Lester and Elsie Duffus, where his lifelong passion for heavy equipment began.

On August 24, 1961, George was united in marriage to Bonnie Johnson. They made their home in Grinnell before eventually moving to a farm outside of town. Together they were blessed with one daughter, Carla. George made his living as a heavy equipment operator and later founded his own business, Cowger Construction.

George found peace in the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and bird hunting and was known for his strong work ethic. Beneath his hardworking nature was a soft heart. He loved visiting with family and friends and was well known for his pranks and teasing sense of humor.

As an adult, George accepted Christ, was saved and baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Grinnell, and more recently attended Newburg Chester Church.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bonnie Cowger; his daughter, Carla (Matt) Oleson; grandchildren, Jonah (Mackenzie) Oleson, Josiah (Megan) Oleson, Rebekah Oleson, Joseph Oleson, Joel (Alaina) Oleson, Grace Oleson, and Joshua Oleson; great-grandchildren, Bonnie, Phin, Thomas, and Delainey; brother, John (Caryn) Cowger; sister, Jeanne (Gary) Cradic; along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Opal Cowger; and his brothers, Jerry Cowger and Jim Cowger.