Harry L. Bauwens

Harry Lewis Bauwens, 95, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Buehler Home in Peoria.
Harry was born on March 8, 1930, to Frank and Marie (Lewis) Bauwens. They preceded him in death.
Surviving are his wife, Linda (Huffman) Bauwens, whom he married on July 24, 1954; two daughters: Sue (Chris) Mellen and Sheila (Russell) House of Washington, IL; five grandchildren: Lisa (Tom) Weybright of Washington, Jason (Victoria) Mellen of Madison, WI, Abigail (Erik) Anderson of Washington, Allison (Jonathan) Schumacher of Mishawaka, IN, and Andrea (Jason) Herrick of Washington; eight great-grandchildren: Addison (who shared the same birthday as Harry) and Kellan Weybright of Washington, Nicholas and Michelle Mellen of Madison, Jayce Anderson of Washington, and Annette, Aubriella, and Cassiel Schumacher of Mishawaka; and brother, Joseph (Pat) Bauwens of Peoria.
Harry graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria. He was employed by District 150 for 25 years and retired as a truck driver for the warehouse in 1995.
Harry joined the US Army during the Berlin Airlift Crisis and was on active duty from 1948 through 1949, when he was honorably discharged. He then enlisted in the US Army Reserves from 1949 to 1956, serving as a Master Sergeant in the 301st Signal Company. In 1962, he was again called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was honorably discharged on December 1, 1962.
After his time in the service, he enjoyed operating a ham radio for many years. After he retired, he took up golf and enjoyed playing with some men he met at the golf course. He also played golf with Chris and Sue Mellen on the weekends.
Harry enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. He always loved kids, and for many years, Harry and Linda taught a two-year-old Sunday School class at Bradley Epworth United Methodist Church.
Harry's wishes were to have a private graveside service for the family. A celebration of Harry's life is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Lariat Club in Peoria, IL. Please come and share your memories of Harry with us.
The family would like to thank Buehler Home Nursing Center and their wonderful staff for their excellent care.
Harry loved dogs and was never without one. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter in Pekin, IL.