Bessie M. Bowen, 76, of Eau Claire, passed away at home on Friday, May 25, 2012, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 29, 1935 in Chippewa County to Earl and Phyllis (Eisenhuth) Sturz, and step-mother Wanda Sturz. Bess graduated from Fall Creek High School with the Class of 1954. On June 30, 1956, Bess married Irvin "Speed" Bowen at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. After raising three children, Bess went to work in sales for Sears Catalog for several years. She then went to work as a receptionist for Herrick and Hart Law Office until her retirement in 1998. Bess enjoyed camping in Birchwood, gambling, and traveling south for the winter. She loved animals, the beauty of nature, picking up sea shells and spending her time with her friends and family. She never met a stranger. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Irvin; three children, Steve Bowen of Eau Claire, Brad (Candy and Preston) Bowen of Springfield, TN, and Cheryl (Denny) Long of White House, TN; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Duane "Gus" (Maggie) Sturz; and also by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bess was preceded in death by her parents and step-mother. Funeral services for Bess will be at 11a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar St. in Eau Claire with Pastor Gerd J. Bents officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, at the church. Bess asked that her family say goodbye to all her friends for her. The family would also like to thank St. Joseph's Hospice, the staff at Marshfield Clinic Cancer Care and everyone who loved and supported her.

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