Ronald Gene Bowen

1934 - 2025

Ronald Gene Bowen

August 14, 1934 - February 15, 2025

Ronald Gene Bowen, age 90, formerly of Madison, WI, passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born August 14, 1934 in Freeport, IL to his loving parents, Virgil and Wilma (nee Boyd) Bowen.

While growing up in Freeport, Ron played trombone in the high school band and won the state doubles championship in tennis.

Ron attended the University of Illinois-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor's degree in architecture, as well as a master of science in architectural engineering.

Ron founded the architectural firm of Bowen and Kanazawa-later known as BWZ-in 1962, winning an AIA Wisconsin Design award for his first commission, the Foster Residence. Before retiring in 2001, Ron, along with his firm, designed many award winning buildings, including St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Henry David Thoreau School, the Waisman Center, the McClain Athletic Facility, the UW-Madison Law School, and his own home. Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was being elected as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1988.

Ron was not only a creative designer but a master planner. Throughout his career Ron served as a professional advisor and design consultant on various design committees including American Family Insurance's Master Plan for the American Center and the Plan Commission for the town of Westport. His designing hat was never off as he often sketched improvement plans for his children's homes .

Ron met his wife, Karen, at the University of Illinois when he was working as a busboy at the sorority she lived in. They were married 64 years before her passing in November 2024. Karen was the love of his life, that love growing stronger with each passing year.

Ron's favorite activity was to spend time with Karen and family at their cabin on Blue Lake near Minocqua, Wisconsin. He spent many hours talking and relaxing on the dock, fishing, taking kids and grandkids water skiing on the "bat boat", captaining the 5pm cocktail cruise, or puttering around on projects.

Ron's other hobbies were hunting with his springer spaniels and golfing. He took annual trips to northern Wisconsin to hunt grouse in the fall and weekly trips golfing with friends.

Ron had a strong work ethic and a professional demeanor. He was charming, gentlemanly, and quick witted.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Karen Kobes Bowen. He is survived by his children, Tori (Paul) Lewis, Sara (Greg) Spaight, and Kip (Elizabeth) Bowen; grandchildren, Andrew (Pam) Germanetti, Rebecca (Jared) Venier, Scott (Gabrielle) Germanetti, and Benjamin (Victoria) Bowen; great-grandchildren, Emilia Venier, Linnea Venier, and Isabelle Gotangco-Germanetti.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Craftsman Table and Tap, 6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Middleton, on Friday, May 2. The service is from 5-6pm with a reception following until 8pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Institute of Architects Wisconsin.