Lilly B. Bowen, age 98, died Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Harbor House in Monroe. She was born on May 20, 1910 on her family farm in rural Oneco Township, Orangeville, IL; the daughter of Alfred and Anna (Mueller) Imobersteg. She graduated from the grade school in Oneco, IL and was confirmed at St. John's Evangelical Church in Monroe in 1925. Lilly married Wesley D. Bowen on September 10, 1931 at St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe.
They resided and farmed the Bowen homestead in Clarno Township and until her husbands untimely death in 1949. Lilly purchased the farm in 1950 from her in-laws, where she raised her three children. Lilly's eldest son Ray continued to farm until his retirement. The Bowen family farm is older than Wisconsin's history since founded in 1836, it predated Wisconsin statehood by a dozen years. The farm was recognized as a Green County Sesquicentennial, 150 year old farm at the State Fair in West Allis in 1987, where Lilly and her family were recognized. She continued to live on the farm until 2002 when she moved to Monroe.
Lilly, a dedicated loving mother, grandmother and sister, enjoyed being involved within the community. A member of Staver United Methodist Church where she joined in 1952 and served as an active member of the Room for You Class until her early 90s. A long time member of Farm Bureau Women, Orangeville Women's Club, as well as serving on the Board of Directors and treasurer of the Senior Citizen association of Orangeville in the operation of Walnut Hill and Bronco Country apartments. In her senior years, besides spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed gardening, baking and traveling.
She is survived by her family: a devoted brother, Arnold Imobersteg of Orangeville,IL; two sons: Ray (Luann) Bowen of rural Monroe, Harry (Diana) Bowen of Orangeville, IL and daughter, Shirley (Mike) Connors of rural Orfordville; 10 grandchildren: Renee (Rick) Jordan of Argyle, Jeffrey Bowen, Ronald Bowen, both of Monroe, Laura (Mike) Hartwick, of Gratiot, Gary Bowen of rural Monroe, Kelly (Steven) Hermanson of rural Blanchardville, Tracy Bowen of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Wesley (Michele) Bowen of Dakota, IL, Angela Connors of Madison and Shawn (Jamie) Connors of Pecatonica, IL. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Alfred.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home with Pastor David Busker officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. A visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.