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Robert Cowan Obituary

May 14, 1958 - Dec. 10, 2009
NILES - Robert Bruce "Bob" Cowan, 51, of Niles passed away on Thursday, December 10th at Memorial Hospital following injuries sustained in a fall from the roof, while working at his Dairy Queen near the state line in Niles. Bob was born on May 14, 1958 in Lansing, Michigan to Bruce and Pauline (Yeager) Cowan. On November 10, 1978 Bob married Pam Bumbalough, the love of his life, at a ceremony in Williamston, Michigan. Bob graduated from Williamston High School class of 1977 and went on to receive a degree in business and law enforcement from Lansing Community College. In 1984 Bob and Pam welcomed the birth of their only child Ken and a week later moved to Niles. The couple purchased Stateline Dairy Queen where the family has worked together for over twenty five years. Bob took a personal interest in the lives of his employees and customers. Bob was a true testament to being a servant. A member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church for over twenty five years, Bob held various positions including President of the congregation, Elder, Chairman of the Board of Education, Sunday School Superintendant, Bible Study Leader and faithful member. He was a member of the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a Chamber Ambassador. He enjoyed spending time with his family and in the outdoors. He and Pam were active for several years in the Monday Night Running Club. Bob also enjoyed hunting, camping and traveling to National Parks across the nation. Above all of these, Bob's faith and his relationship with Jesus Christ his Savior was his foundation. This foundation allowed Bob to be a loving and devoted husband and father. Robert is survived by his wife Pamela Cowan of Niles, a son Kenneth Cowan of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, his parents Bruce and Pauline Cowan of Williamston, Michigan and a brother Brian (Teresa) Cowan of Barberton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Cowan. A time of visitation will be held on Monday December 14, 2009 from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home 521 E. Main Street in Niles. A Christian funeral and committal will be held on Tuesday, December 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 16791 Cleveland Road in Granger, Indiana. A private interment will be held in Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's memory to Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 16971 Cleveland Road, Granger, Indiana 46530. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cowan

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Jan Couch

December 15, 2009

Pam and Ken,
I am so sorry to hear about Bob"s terrible accident. My sincere condolence to you and your family. The one thing I will always remember about Bob is he was always smiling. A very nice man. Such a great loss. May you find the strength of all the prayers sent your way to help you get through this terrible time.

Thomas Janssen

December 15, 2009

The membership of the MNRC would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Cowan family. Many of our long time members know Bob and Pam from when they were active in the club. We voted unanimously at our Christmas party to make a donation in Bob's memory to Steve's Run and the Steve Briegel Scholorship. May God bless and care for all your family.
Thomas Janssen, President MNRC

Tonya Graden

December 15, 2009

Sending prayers to your family and the DQ family at Stateline from our DQ family in Rolling Prairie IN. You are in our thoughts. May God help heal your pain and let his memories live in your hearts forever.

John and Liana Legus

December 14, 2009

To Mrs Cowan and Ken,

Our deepest and sincere sympathy over the loss of Bob. We enjoyed the years that we work with all of you and it is very heart breaking to hear this news. Bob had many good qualities that made him a great employer and friend. We will take comfort in the fact that he is with his maker and hope that this brings you comfort as well. God bless.

James Ross

December 14, 2009

Dear Mrs Cowan;
I would just like to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of Bob Cowan. I know that this has been a terrible loss and way too soon. He was a good man and a great neighbor and I pray that his memory remains in the hearts of all that met him and knew him.
My prayers are also with you and your family.
Memory Eternal.
James Ross

JEN HOLLEY

December 14, 2009

MRS.COWAN AND KEN

I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU HOW DEEPLY SADDENED I AM TO HEAR OF MR. COWAN'S PASSING. HE WAS THE BEST EMPLOYER I EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING FOR HE GENERALLY CARED ABOUT THE WELL BEING OF HIS EMPLOYEES,AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED.

December 13, 2009

Dear Cowan family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Bob. While I didn't know him very well, my parents (Cal and Mary Lou Bauder) often spoke highly of him. In fact, dad appreciated the "free" ice-cream every now and then.

My prayers and deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time.

Jim Bauder
Bloomington, IL

December 13, 2009

I know there were loving arms waiting for you Bob when you crossed over. You will be missed on this earth. My loving thoughts are with my family.

Robin Fisher (1st cousin)

stephanie pellow

December 13, 2009

Mr.Cowan i am very saddened by this i know that this is going to be hard on the whole community as you were and are a very respected member i know that you are in Gods hands now i pray daily for you and every member of the Cowan family as i know this is extremely hard on them you are in a safe place now you well never be forgotten may God bless u always your friend stephanie pellow

December 13, 2009

Patti and I are deeply saddened by Bob's death. He was a good neighbor and always flashed a smile when we talked. I shall miss seeing his daily walks with his and Pam's beautiful dog. I sincerely hope that his family and friends find strength.

Tim and Patti

December 13, 2009

There are no words to express our thoughts for you. Just know that all of you are in our prayers. Larry and Judy Briggs

Brian Riddle

December 13, 2009

My name is Brian Riddle i used to work for pro temp and I wanted to say that Bob was the nicest man i ever had the pleasure of working for. the world has lost a great man. God bless.

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