Donald "Dick" Bowe

Donald "Dick" Bowe

CHIPPEWA FALLS - Donald "Dick" Bowe, age 94, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023.

He was born on April 11, 1929, in Chippewa Falls, WI. He was the second of five boys born to Arthur and Alfreda (Steinmetz) Bowe.

Dick was raised in Tilden on his family farm with his four brothers, Cyril, Roger, Orville and Thomas "Pete". He learned the importance of hard work ethic and family – he took great pride in hard work, no cutting corners! Dick attended St. Peters School, and he often spoke of his fierce competition in the Spelling Bee contests.

At the young age of 16, he endured a traumatic farm accident, but he never let this define him, and he never viewed it as a disability. Instead, he leaned on his faith, intelligence, and charisma to turn an unfortunate event into opportunity. During his recovery he spent many hours in the kitchen with his mother, learning the art of cooking. Throughout life, he continued to position for "turf" in the kitchen, becoming famous with family and friends for crowd-sized monster cookies and pancakes larger than his grandchildren's plates.

On May 29, 1951, he married Glenna (Oliver), at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Chippewa Falls, WI, where they continued as active parishioners throughout their 72 years of marriage.

Dick was very proud of his Tilden heritage. His love of God and family was his top priority. But a close second was his love of Leinenkugel's, blood sausage, potato dumplings, and Patrick Mahomes.

Most people will remember him as "TV Dick". He enjoyed selling and repairing TVs for many local families, the legend always said Fridays were his best sales nights as that is when "Friday Night Fights" was televised.

He was employed at Chippewa Shoe for over 30 years until his "retirement" as Superintendent. Dick never really retired, though, as he found new ways to pair his intelligence and love for tinkering. He operated Don Bowe Electric Fencer Repair.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Glenna; five daughters: Pauline (Robert) Hayes of Chippewa Falls, Anita (David) Wasserburger of Marshfield, Jerianne Bowe of Appleton, Marilyn (Craig) Swoboda of Chippewa Falls and Catherine (Randy) Feuling of Chippewa Falls; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters-in-law: Irene Bowe, Isabelle Bowe, and Jane Bowe; brother-in-law, Chuck (Ruth) Oliver; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary, in infancy; and his parents, Arthur and Alfreda Bowe; his in-laws, Margaret, and Ray Oliver; brothers: Orville "Orvie", Roger, Thomas "Pete", and Cyril Bowe; one sister-in-law, Doris Bowe; one great-grandson, Simon Loga; and many good friends and relatives.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the friends and relatives who sent cards, had video calls, and visited him during the four and half years he spent at the Chippewa Manor - he was a man surrounded by love and laughter. He cherished the Sunday Tilden drives spent with his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law.

The family also wants to mention the wonderful care he received at the Chippewa Manor and thank St. Croix Hospice for their expert care in making his final days more comfortable.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Gorman will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in Tilden, with lunch to follow at St. Peter's Church.

Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A Christian vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com.