Service Information
Robert E. Bowen, 86, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Freedhem Cemetery in Morrison County, Minnesota.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 28, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a Masonic Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral chapel.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Obituary
Robert Eugene Bowen was born on November 11, 1935, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of Norman and Eva (Keehr) Bowen. Bob was baptized as an infant at Asbury Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Duluth, Minnesota. He joined Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota in 1958. Bob received his education in Duluth, and was a graduate with the Duluth Central High School class of 1953.
Bob joined the United States Marine Corp Reserve on February 24, 1954, at the Naval Air Station in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he served as an intelligence analyst with Marine Attack Squadrant-234, Marine Air Group-16. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 23, 1962 and achieved the rank of Corporal.
On June 21, 1958, Bob was united in marriage to Shirley Eleanor Pedersen at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Lisa. Bob and Shirley resided in Hutchinson. They shared 63 years of marriage.
Bob was employed at 3M for 38 years. He worked in both the tape plant and the magnetic plant, starting in Chicago as a yard worker (mowing lawns) and continuing in the Hutchinson plant, working in various job positions and departments, such as slitter operator, packing supply man, ball mill operator, production coordinator, supervisor, shipping and receiving, environmental law/hazardous materials coordinator. He retired in December 1990. Bob was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was the Police Commissioner for the Hutchinson Police Department from 1998 to 2004. Bob was also a member of the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96, Hutchinson Masonic Temple Lodge #59 and the Zuhrah Shrine.
Being outdoors trapping, fishing, shooting (rifle, shotgun, pistol) and hunting were Bob’s passions. He hunted in Minnesota, Wyoming, Montana, Canada and Africa. Bob’s “Happy Place” was his cabin “Up North”. Countless, precious memories were made there. Bob loved football and hockey too, coaching youth hockey for many years. Wild horses couldn’t keep him away from coffee, dice and laughter with “The Boys” at Hutch Café. His friends meant the world to him. Bob’s family, including pets, were his greatest joy. He was the grandpa that even went to Noah and Isaiah’s practices.
Bob passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, at the age of 86 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Bob is survived by his
Wife, Shirley Bowen of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughter, Lisa Ishihara of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Noah and Isaiah Ishihara;
Many other beloved relatives and friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his Parents, Norman and Eva Bowen.
Cindy and Tom Schanil says
Oh Shirley,
Was so saddened to see this post… you, Lisa and family have our deepest sympathy. Will always remember our “smelt fries” outings we had together – good times! Strength, Peace, Comfort, Blessings and Hugs to you all during this time.
Cindy and Tom
Cheryl Buboltz says
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Bob fondly.
Maxine S. Beck says
Dear Shirley and family… we grieve with you at this difficult time. Stay strong in the knowledge that Bob knew his Savior, Jesus Christ, and has reached his goal of eternal life in heaven.
Sarah Mcgraw says
Shirley and Lisa,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was a good friend to my dad. My thoughts are with you both and the boys
Sarah (Ratike) McGraw
Daniel Hatten says
To the Bowen family, our sincerest sympathies to you. Bob was clearly a one of a kind gem. He loved his family, the Marines, his country, his community, and spoke of them with passion often. I was privileged to call him a friend and owe Bob more than I can express. Heaven has gained a great man.
Dan & Joleen Hatten.
Ron & Vickie Lueck says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family.
Cindy and Tom Schanil says
Oh Shirley,
I was so saddened when I saw this posted… you Lisa and family have our deepest condolences. Will always remember our “smelt fry” get togethers – good times, with fond memories. Strength, Peace, Comfort and Blessings and Hugs to you…
Cindy and Tom Schanil
Maynard & Shirley Holtz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Maynard & Shirley Holtz
Darlene Kotelnicki says
Thinking of all of you. Bob was a patient who became a friend!!!
Kristin Briggs says
Lisa,
Please accept my sincerest apologies on your dad‘s passing. He was always full of laughter and always had a smile on his face! Sending prayers your way for strength during this difficult time. With love,
Kristin Briggs?
Donna(Ondracek)Engelen says
My sympathies to Bob’s family. I new him from Gopher Campfire and 3M. No matter where he see me walk, he’d roll his window down, and I’d hear, “Hey, Donna Baby!” I always new it was Bob. He always made my day!
Hugs to all of you!
Susan Forcier says
So sorry to hear that our neighbor down the street has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family during this difficult time.
Roger Denton says
The Bowen family were good friends of ours when we lived in Hutchinson. Shirley worked with Marcy. Lisa babysat Eric, Scott & Kimberly. I worked with Bob at 3M.
Bob was like my “god father” at 3M. We enjoyed many of the same things. He treated me as good as I could ever expect to be treated!
I tried to stay in touch with the Bowens, but my effort was certainly not as strong as it could or should have been.
RIP Robert E. Bowen! You are in my memories for a lifetime as are Shirley and Lisa.
Maureen Ullian says
Oh Shirley and Lisa, Please accept our sincerest apologies on Bob’s passing. He was always full of laughter and he always had a smile on his face. Sending prayers your way for strength during this difficult time.
Don @ Darlene Erickson says
Shirley
Prayer’s on Bob’s passing, thought’s are with you from Sun City West, AZ?? Don n’ Darlene Erickson
Lenore & Steve Flinn says
To Shirley, Lisa, and boys,
Steve and I send our most sincere sympathy to you on Bob’s passing. We will be thinking of you in the days to come. Bob had a special talent for giving of himself to others.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Lenore and Steve Flinn
Roxanne Wigen says
Shirley and Lisa,
My heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Bob. He always had a kind word and friendly smile for me.
He was a great supporter of our veterans and country. My prayers for comfort and peace as you go through the hours, days and weeks ahead. I know your cherished memories will give you a chance to smile as you hold those thoughts close.
Laura benage says
Sorry to hear this gods got him!
Janice Heintz says
My deepest sympathy to you Shirley, Lisa and family. Bob will be missed in our community.
Bruce Bjerkelund says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We send our love, prayers and sympathy!!
Bruce & Sandy Bjerkelund
Barbara Peterson says
Shirley , Lisa and family,
Sympathies to you and your family! My your memories comfort you at this time. God bless and be with you.
Ann Brown says
Dear Lisa & Shirley,
I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Dad & husband. May you draw comfort and peace from knowing that you will see him again. And may you be drawn closer to the Lord through this experience.
Your friend & classmate,
~Ann (Vacek) Brown
Tom and Brenda Benson says
Sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a good friend and coworker.
I remember his great sense of humor.
Sandy Julian says
Shirley,Lisa and boys,,So sorry for you loss!! Bob was one
special guy who always had a joke or 2 for us gals at the Hutch
cafe!!! So many memories!!! Sending my thoughts and prayers!!
Sandy Julian
Lisa Nowak Stifter says
Bob used to come into my shoe store and hed share about his hunting trips to africa.. The mamba snakes, etc. He had facinating adventures.I loved to visit with him. I’d see him around town here and there after. I closed the store and we’d always visit. I share with him that I have a teenage son who loves to hunt and would love to hear if his adventures.
I loved visiting with Bob. I was sad to see his obituary.
My Sympathies to Shirley and Lisa. And boys.