Owen Bowman

Owen F. Bowman, age 81, a resident of Grantsburg passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Burnett Continuing Care Center.

Gordon and MayBelle Bowman welcomed their son, Owen on February 3, 1943 in Grantsburg, WI. He was their first of 7 children.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1964.

Upon discharge he returned to Grantsburg. He drove truck for several years along with other jobs. He worked on the farm with his Dad and brothers eventually taking it over from Gordon in 1970. In 1975 he sold the farm and worked at Parker Hannifin along with being a substitute mailman for the United States Postal Service. In the early 1980s he became a full-time mailman and continued until his retirement.

In 1965 he married Carol Jean Moline and in 1966 they welcomed their first child, Robbyn. Rachel in 1968, Robert in 1971 and Randy in 1975.

Owen married the love of his life Debra Russell on June 6, 1996 in South Dakota.

Owen loved the outdoors. He spent much of his time outside with his dog, a springer-spaniel named Jerry, gardening and caring for wildlife. Owen had many pets throughout his life, but most impressively are his pet bee that he fed flies to and the hummingbird that would stalk them through the windows if his feeder was empty.

During the football season, he could be found downtown at the Rendezvous, watching the Green Bay Packers on his very own barstool with friends.

He had a soft spot for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and took pride in teaching them about anything he could. Summers were filled with spending time outside, on the four-wheelers going through the woods, and a lot of life lessons sprinkled in.

All of this speaks to the kind of fun and caring soul he has.

Owen was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and MayBelle; sisters, Donna (in infancy), Carol Glonek; and brother, Charles "Chuck" Bowman.

He will be forever missed by his loving wife, Debbie; daughters, Robbyn, Rachel (John) McNally; sons, Robert (Jason) and Randy(Tera); step-daughters, Lisa (Mike) Farley, Christine Larson (John Zeller), Angela Brande; step-son, Eric Zart; sisters, Barb (Wes) Radke, Marilyn (Paul) Gorney; brother, Gordon Jr (Kris) Bowman; grandkids, Kaitlin, Austin, Olivia, Eve, Kane, Asher, Evan, Madison, Regan, Keaton, Harper, Brittany (Kasey) Krueger, Nicholas Larson, Isaac (Darby) Zart and Logan Zart, Brett (Alizabeth) Brande and Cody Brande; great-grandchildren, Roslin & Linden Bishop and Atalia, Ella, Coen, and Hunton Bowman, Scarlett, Greyson, Liah, Braxton, Ellyanna, and Silas, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Owen on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM (visitation 1-2 PM) at Hummer’s Event Center. Those attending the service are encouraged to wear their favorite Green Bay Packer attire. Interment and military honors will be commenced on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Northern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.