Robert "Bob" Bowen

     Robert “Bob” Bowen, 86, of Sparta, died Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Gunderson Health System La Crosse.  He was born on February 13, 1935 in La Crosse, WI to Lester and Belinde (Severson) Bowen.

     Bob grew up on the Burns area in La Crosse County and worked on many different farms in that area.  He served 4 years in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA. He came back to the Sparta area after his honorable discharge.

     Bob was a truck driver and hauled milk.  He also worked at the Sparta Foundry and Fort McCoy.  After his retirement from Ft McCoy, he worked for the Sparta Park and Rec Department.

     Bob married Delores Ott on May 24, 1958, they had three children.  He spent the last 30 years with Bev Treu.  He was the president of the snowmobile club, Sparta Trailblazers for many years, was a member of Monroe County STMC, Sparta American Legion Post 100.  He always gave blood at the American Red Cross.  He loved watching races at the La Crosse Speedway and seldom missed a race.

     He is survived by his partner, Bev Treu of Sparta; Bev’s children Amy Treu of La Crosse and Karl Treu (special friend Brittany Witte and her son Wesley Witte) of Rockland; Bev’s grandchildren, Britney, Phillip, and Matthew; Bob’s children Denise Gray of Sparta, Joel Bowen of Sparta, Todd (Kim) Bowen of Sparta; Bob’s grandchildren, Stephanie (Matthew)Spohn of Sparta, Lee (Kristen) Shipley of Sparta, Olivia (Scotty) Sanders of Cataract, Erika (Jordan) Petrie of Monroe WI; Bob’s great grandchildren Alexander and Danielle Shipley, Oliver Sanders, and Baby Spohn on the way; sisters Mary Schmitz of Richland Center, WI and Nora Rueckheim of Sparta; and other relatives and friends.

     A celebration of Life will be held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the Sparta American Legion Post 100. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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