Joel Barry Cowen

1942 - 2017

Joel Barry Cowen 1942—2017
Joel Barry Cowen, 75, of Rockford, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, after a year and a half battle with cancer. Born May 17, 1942, in Peekskill, NY, son of Irving and Lilyan (Everett) Cowen. He graduated with a B.A. in Education, majoring in Social Studies from the University of Akron in 1966. He received his Master's in Urban Economic Geography from the University of Cincinnati in 1968, continuing in the same department to complete all Ph.D. requirements, except dissertation. Joel married Judith McArthur on December 14, 1968. After completing a Medical Impact Study for the Rockford School of Medicine (1971), Joel was hired to start an office of Community Health Research and was the third person hired after the Dean and Assistant Dean (1972-1977). He then became the Executive Director of Comprehensive Health Planning of Northwest Illinois (1977-1988). He served as President of Northern Illinois Human Health Services Consultants (1982-1989). Joel returned to the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford as Coordinator of Health Systems Research (1990-1992). From 1992, he served as Assistant Dean at the UI College of Medicine, retiring in 2011. Joel was perhaps best known for his analyses of local demographic trends and for his research on the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and was often quoted as an expert in the Rockford Register-Star and other publications. After retirement, Joel continued as a consultant for numerous organizations. Over the years he also taught as an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati, Beloit College, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northern Illinois University, Rockford College, and most recently at the OSF College of Nursing. Joel was dedicated to civic involvement by serving on several boards and committees: Alzheimer's Association; Maria Linden Nursing and Retirement Home (Chair); Winnebago Country Health Department; Rockford Area Violence Collaborative; Rockford Drug-Free Community Partnership; Rockford League of Women Voters (one of the first male members - Publicity Chair), Human Rights Authority; Childhood Immunization Council; Sara Ingrassia-Jackie Confer Dictionary Fund (Vice Chair); and Carpenter's Place for the Homeless. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rockford Park District in 2011, for his over 20 years of service to the Park District and his commitment to the continuing health and well-being of the Rockford community. Joel's many interests included attending indoor soccer games, reading about current events, listening to "doo-wop" and "oldies", and dining out. He always had a quip or pun ready for any topic. Joel is survived by his wife, Judith; sons, David (Amanda) and Andrew; and step-granddaughter, Kameya, and will be deeply missed. Predeceased by his father, mother, and brother, Jon Alan Cowen.
Funeral services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, online or by phone, 800-805-5856. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.