E. Richard Bowen

Pastor Edwin Richard Bowen, 97, (1926-2023) of Girard (Niles), Ohio, returned to his heavenly home on November 19, 2023, following a brief illness. His devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him throughout his life and gave him peace.

Pastor Bowen went by “Richard” since childhood. He attended Zion Suomi Lutheran Church where he was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support. Richard graduated from Harding High School, Fairport Harbor, then received a Bachelor degree from Wittenberg University and a Masters of Divinity from Hamma School of Theology, Springfield, Ohio, in 1968.

Richard married Edeltraud Kuhr in 1949 while he was stationed in Bremen, Germany. He was the assistant manager of the US Army newspaper, The Stars and Stripes. Upon return to the states, they lived in Fairport Harbor where he worked as a butcher for Mackey’s Groceries. In 1963, Richard responded to a call to the ministry and moved the family to Springfield, Ohio.

Upon ordination, Pastor Bowen began his career as a Lutheran minister and served three congregations in Ohio over a period of 23 years. He formally retired in 1991 after last serving Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Conneaut, Ohio. Richard and Edeltraud moved to Niles, Ohio in 2005. In retirement, he continued as a pulpit supply minister and visitation pastor throughout northeastern Ohio. He also provided consultant services for the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod. Pastor Bowen was a gentle, loving, caring man who left a permanent impression in the hearts of many. He will be greatly missed by his son, daughter-in-law and friends.

Richard was married to Edeltraud for 61 years before her death in 2010. They had two sons, Gary, who resides in Colorado with wife Kathi, and James who also passed away in 2010.

A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairport Harbor, Ohio, on May 21, 2024, at 11am with visitation from 10am to 11am. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Madison, Chardon, Painesville & Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com .