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Jeanette Bowen

Jeanette  Bowen

Jeanette Bowen (Jeanetta Molinaro), age 87, of Durand, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 with her family by her side at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire, WI.  

Jeanette was born on June 27, 1931, at Minneapolis General Hospital, Minnesota. She was the second youngest of eight children born to parents Giuseppi and Costanza (Fragale) Molinaro. Jeanette graduated from Miller Vocational High School in 1949. On May 31, 1952, Jeanette married Norman Bowen at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Jeanette and Norman moved to Durand in 1960. Jeanette owned and managed the East Side Grocery and raised their six children. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church. Jeanette enjoyed working on puzzles, traveling, dancing, and attending concerts, theatre productions and family reunions. She loved being with her children and grandchildren, having family picnics at their Eau Galle cabin, and hosting her entire family for Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving at her house. After retirement, she volunteered at the local elementary school working with the kindergarteners. For nearly 50 years, almost every weekday, Jeanette and lady friends gathered for coffee and conversation.

She is survived by her six children, Laurie (Jeff) Madsen, of Wilmington, NC; Kathy (Bob) Pattison, of Durand; Cheryl May (Sal Bartalone), of Carol Stream, IL; Karen Sinz, of Eau Galle; Doug Bowen (Michelle Salter), of Eau Claire; and Rhonda (Joel) Fait, of Middleton. She is further survived by her two sisters Teresina Williams and Annina Boosalis, and in-laws Peter Boosalis and Ruth Molinaro and many nieces and nephews.

Jeanette adored her thirteen grandchildren: Renee (Mike), Tony, Denise, Tyler, Craig (Lauren), Shelly (Tyler), Chris, Joshua (Samantha), Tawny (Joel), Jared, Tashia (Seth), Kyle, and Drew, and her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Isabelle, Ezra, Ava, Maya, Madeline, Mason, and Addison.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Norman, parents-in-law Christian and Martha (Braken) Bowen, sons-in-law Charlie Sinz and Jerry May, grandson Tony Sinz, her siblings and in-laws: Vittorio (Jean) Molinaro, Roberto Molinaro, Emilio Molinaro, Elena (Eugene) Galvin, Clara (Gene) Bickel, and Robert Williams.

Thank you to the staff and residents of Home Place of Durand for a wonderful last year.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Monday, September 17, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be at the St. Mary’s cemetery. Reception will follow. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4-7 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please treat yourself to something fun and think of Jeanette, or donate to your favorite charity.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Cheryl R May

    hi mom
    Day is may day, and I always remember the story of you and Rhonda.
    makes me smile every time I Think of the story.
    miss you

  2. cheryl

    hi mom, It’s been five years ago today since dad has been in heaven, so I hope he showing you around and I know you’ll love it just like you fell in love with Durand. miss you

  3. Cheryl May

    Hi Mom, tomorrow is your birthday and wanted to wish you a very happy birthday. I know you will be spending it with Dad, Charlie and Tony and all your coffee ladies, but I wish you were here on earth so that I could spend it with you. I love you and miss you every day. love cheryl

  4. Cheryl

    Hi mom , thinking of you and missing you every day . Love ❤️ cheryl

  5. Cheryl May

    Hi Mom. ❤️❤️❤️ I miss you every day.
    Love you

  6. Patti Blount

    Sorry to hear about the passing of Jeanette. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

  7. Pat Petrie/ Kurth

    My condolences to all the family.

  8. Jennifer Thibado

    I enjoyed being part of her care team. Even though it was only for a short time, I enjoyed her company. Rest in Peace, Jeanette!

  9. Michael Charles Gilles

    My condolences. The Bowen's were part of the heart and soul of Durand. Good people!

    Mike Gilles - Denver CO

  10. Jeff schroeder

    I was so sorry to hear about Jeanette’s passing. Norm and Jeanette were a huge part of my life growing up! And to say the treated me well would be a huge understatement . My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bowen family

  11. Gordon & LaVina Gifford

    Remembering Jeanette being the friendly face behind the counter at East Side Grocery Store.

    Jeanette was a very good friend of my sister, Doris Drier, so have been in indirect contact with her & her family for a lot of years.

    She will be sincerely missed by her coffee group.

    Prayers to her friends & family.

  12. Audrey Bussow

    Always embracing life, and going with the flow, Jeanette was one of a kind. Even her laugh made me smile, and she will be missed. My sympathies to the family.

  13. Monica Heitman

    My deepest sympathy to all the family! I remember well the little East Side Grocery store. God Bless!
    Monica

  14. Jane Foos

    So sorry to hear of Jeanette’s passing. I have very fond memories of her at Sunday chicken dinners at the “BGB” cabin in Eau Galle.
    Jeanette gave me my first high school job hiring me as clerk at the East Side Grocery. She patiently taught me how to make the correct change and slice the bologna just right.
    My sympathey to the family.

  15. Erica Annis (Bickel) and family

    I'm very sorry for the loss of Aunt Jeanette. She was a lovely Woman. God bless.

  16. Erica Annis (Bickel)

    I'm very sorry for the loss of Aunt Jeanette. She was a lovely Woman. God bless.

  17. candy

    Karin and Doug. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the family

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