Stephen "Bo" William Bowen

Stephen William Bowen “Bo, Grandpa B.” joined our ancestors on February 25, 2025, at age 73. Stephen was born on September 16, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from the very start, he brought warmth and resilience into every space he occupied. He was gifted to this world through a love shared between his mother, Ida, and his father, Richard. He was the second of three children: his older brother Robert Anthony and his younger sister JeraiLyn.

Stephen attended Pius XI Catholic High School, where he began cultivating the deep sense of faith and compassion that would guide him throughout his life. He continued his education at UW-Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Deborah Charisse. Their bond grew not just out of shared classes and campus life but through mutual respect, laughter, and dreams for the future. In 1972, while at UW-Whitewater, Stephen became an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member. His line name: Unique Uniques. During his time on campus, he forged lasting friendships, continued childhood friendships, and a commitment to brotherhood and service that he carried throughout his life.

For 35 steadfast years, Stephen worked at General Motors in Janesville, WI, providing a solid foundation for his family. Whether on the assembly line or coordinating logistics, he carried himself with unwavering dedication and a quiet humility that left an impression on everyone who worked alongside him. 

Stephen's endless fascination with music took center stage beginning in his younger years. During that time, he played in a band known as Rebirth. A talented piano and saxophone player, he believed music spoke to the soul in ways words could not. Jazz was his passion, and he enjoyed taking his wife to jazz performances, yet you might catch him tinkering on the piano with church hymns or holiday tunes on any given day. He also loved to travel, with his favorite destinations being the beaches of Hawaii and Las Vegas.

Faith was an anchor in Stephen's life. He was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Church in Whitewater, where he sang joyfully in the choir. He also served as part of the Knights of Columbus. For many years, during his free time, Stephen found solace in his late-day jogs that connected him to nature and cleared his mind. When he wasn't playing the piano or sax, there was a time he was also a fierce competitor on the basketball court—often joined by his daughters, Kolynde' and Chevon, at Starin Park until the sun dipped below the horizon. And when it was time to wind down, he could often be found deeply focused at his chessboard, taking on any willing opponent with quiet confidence.

Above all, Stephen's greatest joy was his family. He worked tirelessly to ensure his daughters received a quality education, saw the world beyond their neighborhood, and knew they were the center of their dad's universe. His devotion extended to his beloved grandchildren, Heston Bowen Cook and Lana Rae Cook (Chevon's children), whose curiosity and laughter brought him endless delight- he loved to laugh and had a sense of humor. Stephen, a loving husband, father, brother, friend, and father figure to others, was unwavering in kindness. Once you were part of his circle, you remained there for life.

Remembering him with a smile on their faces and love in their hearts are his wife, Deborah Charisse (Randolph) Bowen; daughters Kolynde' DaShaun Bowen-Roberts (Jeff) and Chevon Nicole Bowen; grandchildren Heston and Lana; sister JeraiLyn Jones as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends who will always hold his memory dear. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Ruth Jones, his father, Richard Lee Bowen, his stepfather, James Jones, and his brother, Robert Anthony (BabaOgun) Jones—all of whom undoubtedly welcomed him Home with open arms.

A service honoring Stephen's life will be held promptly at noon on March 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W Main St., Whitewater, WI. Visitation will be on March 14, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Patrick's. The repast will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI, starting at 1:30 p.m. The family invites all who knew and loved Stephen to celebrate his life and faith.

In these challenging days, Stephen's family wishes to extend special gratitude to Mark Parenteau and all the caring relatives, friends, and church members who provided unwavering support, especially during his dialysis treatments. Their compassion, presence, and help ensured he never felt alone on his journey. The family also wishes to thank everyone who has reached out with love and prayers—it is a testament to how profoundly Stephen touched the lives around him.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Stephen leaves a legacy of love, faith, and music that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we celebrate his life by continuing to love deeply, laugh often, and cherish the gift of family that he held so dear.

The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed using the following link. 

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f25033446416357