Lyle James Bowen passed away reluctantly, yet peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Strong-willed and clear-minded until the end, he used his sharp wit to soothe us during his final hours.

Lyle James Bowen

Lyle was born at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Maxine and Elmer Bowen on January 13, 1939. The family lived in Oregon, Florida, and Arizona before returning to Minnesota, where Lyle graduated from Ellendale High School in 1957. He married Sharon Jakobson in 1963 and was a pressman known for his strong work ethic for 40 years in and around Albert Lea. He was an outstanding and supportive father and grandfather, not only as a spectator at countless concerts, dance recitals and sporting events – but, as an active participant in all things “fun.” Ice skating, sledding, biking, flying kites, snowmobiling, horse-back riding, golfing, exercising, target shooting with guns, bow and arrows and even a blow-gun, Lyle shone brightest when playing with his kids and grandkids. Swimming was the exception, as despite the fact he was a fitness fanatic into his 70’s he was too modest to don a swimsuit or even shorts. Lyle relished anything to do with the Wild West: history, folklore, and of course movies and TV shows. He saw and could recall all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke and knew the backstory of every actor. He was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music (though he never sang a note throughout his lifetime), and he loved (and excelled) at playing cards and trivia games.

Lyle lost the love of his life, Sharon, in 2022 and for the next 16 months, lived with his daughter and son-in-law in Minneapolis, where he added his own dose of humor (and occasional strong opinions) to their daily life. It was a privilege to care for him, made possible in part by the presence of his devoted granddaughter, Haley, as she simultaneously completed her nursing degree. As his health declined, he was cared for by the loving staff of St. Therese at Oxbow Lake as well as Grace Hospice in Minneapolis, where he is remembered as being kind, appreciative and funny. His family would like to recognize the individuals at these wonderful organizations for their tremendous value in providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to Lyle and our family.

Lyle took great pleasure in simple things: a home-cooked meal, a cold beer, watching the sun set from the deck. We will remember him always as a kind, loving and incredibly generous man, always putting the needs of others before himself. His footsteps can never be filled, nor his love ever forgotten.

Lyle is survived by his daughter Kara (Charles) Wayne of Minneapolis, daughter Shelly Alstead (Pamela) of Austin, grandchildren Alec (Sarah) Wayne, Haley Wayne, Jacob Schlichter and great-granddaughters Harper Wayne and Brynn Wayne. He is further survived by brother-in-law Jerome Jakobson, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. Lyle is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brother Bradley Bowen, sister-in-law Mary Kay Jakobson, sister-in-law Linda Jakobson and in-laws Marion and Arlo Jakobson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16th at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service in Albert Lea, officiated by Pastor Mark Boorsma, with visitation beginning one hour prior and a light lunch to follow.