Dennis L. Bowen

November 1st, 1937 - February 16th, 2023

Dennis's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Dennis here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Lynn, I was sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Bowen. Coming to St.Joseph High School from a school that offered no music classes, I was thrilled to be in choir with Mr. Bowen. His enthusiasm and beautiful piano playing, the knowledge he shared, brought such joy into my young world. Singing for him, being part of the variety show and musicals, brought me to new heights. I am so grateful that I had such a fine teacher. Music is still a big part of my life and I attribute that to Mr. Bowen. My late husband, Cole, was grateful to have student taught with him. He provided the strong musical foundation that Cole needed to begin his own teaching career. Lynn, my thoughts are with you and your family. Let your memories warm your heart. The love of family and friends is so precious. You are in the arms of love.

Sandra Tyrrell

February 24th, 2023 at 6:45pm

I first met Dennis when I was in 7th grade, at Milton Jr High. I was taking a singing class. I don't remember just what the assignment was, but it involved writing somehow. He was quite impressed with the song I had written called "Why" and gave me an A+, which surprised me to no end.

Also in 1974, during try outs for the 25th Variety Show, I had I guess stage fright and just stopped and couldn't go on. He said go out, take a few minutes and then come back and so we did just that. I did return and was able to sing "Paper Roses" all the way through without a flaw. I was really surprised the next morning when friends had told me that JC and I had made the Variety Show. I was also proud that Dennis asked me to come back and sing in the first Encore. It was also an honor to come back for the last Encore and sing in the choir.

There will never ever be another person admired as much as Dennis Bowen for a life will lived. Anyone who knew him will say this about him.

You will be missed - Lovingly, Barbara Evett (Hubbard)

Barbara Evett (Hubbard)

February 24th, 2023 at 3:22pm

Dennis Bowen was one of my favorite teachers in high school. He had an enormous impact on his students, but I doubt that he gave that much thought. He was just being himself, doing what he loved to do. And we are all the better for it. He would yell at us when we needed it, praise us when we earned it, and always push and encourage us to be better than we thought we could be. Life lessons for sure. He taught us confidence, instilled a work ethic, and showed us by example how to be passionate about music. And he did it all with a wonderful wit and endless sense of humor. "We will all remember fondly" our beloved DLB.

Jill Ives (Class of '79)

February 23rd, 2023 at 2:55pm

Truly, I’ve never met a human being finer than Dennis Bowen. The entire SJHS arts staff was amazing when I attended, and Betty Theisen, Bob Brown, Steve Reed, Vito Tenerelli and others who gave their all as real professionals certainly should enjoy our appreciation, accolades and love. I say this as a three-letter varsity athlete discouraged from pursuing what I actually enjoyed and benefited from, SJHS arts.

Mr. Bowen gave his all for students and alumnae, and I never witnessed Dennis delivering less than 100% each and every day or performance. A school system cannot buy this love for what a teacher can deliver, you just have to hope for it and that it might show up here or there. We had this with Mr. Bowen, and he delivered more than the fictional film Mr. Holland’s Opus.

Under Mr. Bowen, we discovered the delicate balance between individual and team. Our art excelled beyond what could have been expected from practically any other institution at the level of SJHS and beyond. He extracted the best from us. Mr. Bowen will be missed like few other community members in St. Joe. He could not have played his self-assigned roles any better, and I will always love Dennis and I shall miss him deeply until hopefully he directs me to remove my cap and expose my baldness at the very first Encore. May God bless the Bowen family, you are a part of our lives and families forever, we are grateful.

Dick Nahikian
The Dumb Characters, Mostly
CHICAGO

D. James Nahikian

February 21st, 2023 at 6:10pm

My condolences to the Bowen family. Very fond memories of the joy in our 5th and 6th grade music class at Lincoln Elementary back in the early 60's. Mr. Bowen would wheel his piano in for a once a month music class where he would provide songs books and pick songs for us to sing along. He was great and we all loved and looked forward to his class. A positive teacher and mentor for many, many St. Joe students through the years. RIP Mr. Bowen.

Ran Pullins

February 19th, 2023 at 5:15pm

I met Mr. Bowen in high school while attending choir and music theory classes. ( remember parallel 5ths). In very early 1966 he told me that I should tryout for a musical he was going to do called Bye Bye Birdie and said I would be perfect for the part of Conrad Birdie. I did try out and was given the part. That experience put me way out of my comfort zone, and Mr. Bowen was always there to encourage me on to a successful show. That experience changed my life as I was no longer reluctant to push the envelope. I know over the years many more of his "kids" had the same experience. I was fortunate to be able to thank him in person for that many years later in life. RIP Mr. Bowen, God broke the mold when he made you.

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Fred Wagner

February 19th, 2023 at 12:31pm

One of my favorite childhood memories involved family dinners at my grandparents home where Mr Bowen rented an upstairs apartment. While the company and food were great, Mr Bowen added to the evenings festivities by playing his organ as we ate. Regardless of day or time, you could always count on Mr Bowen to lend his time and talents for our family dinners. I have carried on this tradition with my family to this day. When are able to all get together to meet for a family evening of fun, food and fables I make certain there is always music on in the background. Thank you Mr Bowen...