Ivan Bowen II

Passed away at age 92 at his home in Naples, Florida Born in Mankato, Minnesota the youngest of four children, his father Ivan Bowen, Sr. was the first Attorney General of the State of Minnesota. Ivan graduated from Shattuck School and attended the University of Minnesota until 1941 when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He spent most of World War II flying the "Burma Hump" delivering cargo to the Chinese National Army in support of their war against Japan. After Ivan's discharge, he was employed in a number of positions, including as a bus driver for Greyhound then based in Chicago, Illinois , until 1958 when he became President of LaSalle Street Exchange. During his six years of leadership, LaSalle made investments in more than 30 entities, most of which achieved desired goals. Thereafter, Ivan started a family entrepreneurial quest with acquisition of Tyler Corp. of Benson, Minnesota, a manufacturer of liquid and dry fertilizer spreaders, which under his guidance became the nation's largest such manufacturer employing more than 600 people. This was followed by his acquisition of Dynalift of Yankton, South Dakota, a manufacturer of multi-story construction cranes; Blade -Mor Products of Wakeman, Ohio, and Dresser Trap Rock of Dresser, Wisconsin, a large aggregate quarry product ballast for railroads and material for the roofing industry. All of the above enterprises were sold, merged or otherwise transferred, except Dresser Trap Rock, wholly owned by Ivan and his children, for which Ivan served as Chairman and Ivan Bowen III as its long-time President. Of his many accomplishments and successes, Ivan simply said, "I've been very fortunate, very lucky." He also emphasized that he never would have had such success without the people with whom he worked. Ivan had a wonderful ability to relate to all kinds of people and there was never more a loyal friend. Ivan was an honorable man who rarely spoke ill of anyone. He loved the outdoors - skiing, duck hunting and golf. Ivan is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary Jeanne; his step-sons, Louie (Lucy) McKee and Murphy (Amy)McKee; his three children, Ivan III, Robert and Hazel; his grandchildren, Zack, Lucy, Max, Sally, Evan, Axel, Ahna, Lilly, Bridget, and Kate, Ellie and Murphy; his two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Marlee. Ivan was preceded in death by his brothers Bob and Bill and is survived by his sister Millie Bolstad. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Ivan's life will be held at Basilica of St. Mary - Minneapolis on Thursday May 3rd at 3:30 P.M. Reception to follow at Woodhill Country Club. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Ivan and Mary Jeanne Bowen Scholarship Fund Visitation School. 2455 Visitation Drive Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120. www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com