Robert W. Owens Sr., 96, of Minneapolis, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, passed away July 9, 2013, five years to the day after the death of his beloved wife, Joan Engeldinger Owens.
Born November 27, 1916, in Cresco, Iowa, to Lawrence J. and Clara (Schuetz) Owens. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Joan; sister Dorothy Owens Reilly; and brothers James Joseph Owens and Lawrence Joseph Owens Jr.
Survived by children Marie Terese, Elizabeth Anne Owens (Douglass Faherty) of Brunswick, Robert William Owens Jr. (Maria Weinbeck); grandchildren, Laura (Paul) O’Flanagan, Anna Owens Faherty and John Owens Faherty, and Nicholas Weinbeck Owens; great-granddaughters, Eleanor Joan O’Flanagan and Rose Alyssa O’Flanagan; nieces and nephews.
Bob graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 1939, entering the broadcast business at radio stations in Winona and Duluth. He served during WWII as a supply officer for the Army’s 35th Evacuation Hospital, which landed at Normandy 16 days after D-Day.
After the war, he launched a long and successful career, retiring from sales at KSTPTV in 1985. He was a fine writer who left his memoirs and a treasure trove of letters to his family. He was a consummate family man, whose devotion to his wife during her long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease exemplified his love of family and caring nature. He supported his church and many charities in his long life, and was especially dedicated to ensuring access to education for all students. To that end, he and Joan endowed two scholarships, one at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa; one at the University of Minnesota Journalism School.
He will be remembered especially for his intelligence and humor, warmth and generosity.
Services will be private as per the family’s request. Memorials preferred to the Robert and Joan Owens Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota Foundation, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Arrangements by Gill Brothers Funeral Home.
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