Robert “Bob” J. Bowen, age 72, of Menomonie, formerly of Elmwood, passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer on Saturday October 7, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar in Menomonie.
Bob was born May 21, 1951, in Menomonie to Gordon and Charlotte (Fischer) Bowen. He grew up on the family farm in the Township of Rock Elm and graduated from Elmwood High School. Bob continued his education at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. Bob was employed at American Agco in South St. Paul for over 30 years.
Bob married Jane Freese on March 13, 1971, at the Rock Elm United Methodist Church, rural Elmwood. They lived most of their 52 years of marriage in Rock Elm Township, and during that time were blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren.
In his early years, Bob enjoyed traveling with family and friends, including driving to Florida, Oregon and multiple fishing trips to Canada. He and his friends enjoyed many nights playing cards and having drinks. Later in life he spent many hours playing online video games with family. Throughout the years, Bob was always an avid fisherman and loved being out on the lake whether summer in a boat or winter ice fishing. He always loved hosting or attending a good cook-out with family and friends. Bob and Jane were avid followers of professional and college sports, loyal Green Bay Packer supporters, and also fans of the Badgers, Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks.
In November of 2021, Bob and Jane moved to Menomonie and have met some wonderful neighbors who they enjoy visiting with.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughters, Theresa (Chuck) Bowen of Menomonie and Becky Konsela of Deer Park; grandchildren, Troy (girlfriend Sam) Bowen, Tammy Eckert, Taylor (boyfriend-Logan) Schultz and Lili Schutz; siblings, Calvin (Pat) Bowen of Bastrop, TX, Greg (Carol) Bowen of Salem, OR, Nancy (Rick) Johnson of Menomonie, Debra (Jeff) Bischel of New Auburn, and Terry Bowen of River Falls; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a son-in-law, Tim Konsela.
The family would like to thank each of the nurses and staff of Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar Oncology Department for all the loving care and support that they gave to Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday October 12, 2023, at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.
Condolences may be made online at rhielfuneralhome.com.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Menomonie is serving the family.
