Richard Bowen

Richard (Blackie) Bowen, age 74, of Forest Lake died at home on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2006. Dick Blackie was orn on April 13, 1931 to Florence and Henry Bowen. One of six children, he grew up enjoying playing kick the can, marbles, tag, hide and seek and chasing his favorite pet, a big red chicken that they called Reddy with his brothers and sisters. At 19 years of age, he fell in love with a beautiful farm girl from North Branch name Norma Carlson and they married on November 27, 1950. Having both come from big families, Dick and Norma always knew they wanted a big family together as well. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Norma Bowen; Son Richard (Nancy) Bowen of Lindstrom, Son Ronald (Janeen) Bowen of Cedar, Daughter Susan (Gary) Olson of Hugo, Daughter Sandra (Joseph) Niemczyk of Hugo, Son Robert (Katie) Bowen of Lindstrom, and Daughter Katherine (Steven) Wallraff of Lindstrom; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren. In 1984, he retired from the Whirlpool Corp. after 33 years of service. Upon retirement, Dick along with his wife Norma, went into the ceramic business and created Blackies Creations. He spent much of his time pouring molds while Norma taught classes and went to craft shows with their daughters. When the ceramic business ended, he became a bargain shopper and would find good deals all over town to share with his family. He also enjoyed working in his daughters greenhouses, gardening, cooking, fishing and playing with the great-grandchildren. Dick made many new friends with the little gifts he passed out around town. He also had a face that gave strangers the feeling the he was trustworthy. People would stop him and talk with him about many subjects -- personal and otherwise. He was loved greatly and will be missed immensely by all who knew him. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 4th at 10:30 AM at the Roberts-Eckert Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Drive SW, Forest Lake. Following the service interment will be made at Scandinavian Cemetery, Forest Lake. Luncheon to follow graveside service at the VFW in Forest Lake.