DUANE BOWEN

DUANE BOWEN

     Duane Bowen, 87, of Black River Falls passed away Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, at his home. He was born March 27, 1935, in Black River Falls to Glenn and Frances (Dunnigan) Bowen. Duane was united in marriage to Darlene Jaqua June 27, 1970, in Minneapolis.

     Duane graduated from Black River Falls High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and master’s degree from Montana State University. His career spanned 30 years in education at Alexandria Technical Community College in Alexandria, MN. Upon retirement from education, he returned to Black River Falls in 2001.

     Duane was active with a variety of activities in retirement. He served as director of the Neighborhood Food Pantry for five years, volunteered for Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Black River Memorial Hospital (BRMH) Hospice Program and Jackson Correctional Institution. He entertained residents of Pine View Care Center with organ programs for a number of years. Duane was the organist for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church since 2002. Duane was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, National Education Association, America Vocational Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

     Duane is survived by sisters Colleen (Michael) Peterson of Ham Lake, MN, and Jane Rand (Jim Nortman) of Black River Falls, WI; nieces Jill (Jason) Anderson of East Bethel, MN, Nina (Matt) Rihn of Madison, WI, and Chica Janicki (John Larson) of Osseo, WI; nephew, Brett Peterson (Heidi Kerry) of International Falls, MN; additionally, he is survived by three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

     He is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene, his parents, and his fur buddy Tipper.

     Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls. Father Arivu will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery with military honors accorded.

     Memorials may be given to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, BRMH Hospice and Jackson County Animal Shelter.

     The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.