Frances “Helen” Pauline (Kokott) Bowen, age 93, of Austin, MN formerly of River Falls, WI died peacefully January 27, 2018 at Prairie Manor, in Blooming Prairie, MN.
Helen was born on August 11, 1924, in Roberts, WI to Maximilian and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Kokott. She married Russell Charles Bowen on September 8, 1946 and in their 53 years together they welcomed two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren into their home and hearts. Helen worked as a part-time laborer at Smead Manufacturing in River Falls for several years, and was always a full-time homemaker. She was an active and dedicated member of the Apostolic Church of River Falls and formerly played the organ there which brought her great joy.
Helen was a woman of strong faith and conviction, was incredibly selfless and genuine, and she was love personified. She will be remembered by all who knew her as possibly the kindest soul to walk among us. And may we continue to walk in her example with her “simple” call, “We are supposed to love. That is our only job.”
She is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Elizabeth Kokott; husband, Russell Bowen; daughter, Jacqueline Neumann; granddaughters, Lisa and Kristi Neumann; daughter-in-law, Robyn Bowen; brothers, Paul and Max Kokott; sisters, Delores Jansen, Lorraine Scherek, Pearl Nicholson, Ruby Wooley, Mary Naegle, and Leanne Melvin.
Helen is survived by her son, Stephen Bowen of Austin, MN; loving grandchildren, Angie Bowen (Sarah) of Little Rock, AR, Brandon Bowen (Rosanne) of Cottage Grove, MN, Amanda Neumann of Goodyear, AZ; great-grandchildren, Chris, Casey, Sierra, Tyler, Gabe, and Logan; son-in-law, Jerry Neumann; sisters-in-law, Nona Stockwell, Beverly Bowen.
Funeral services for Helen will be 11:00am Saturday, February 10th, at the Apostolic Church, 116 Walnut St., River Falls, WI with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls. Rev. Melvin Thacker will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Helen’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor’s choice.