We're saddened to share that Barbara Maude Bowen, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on February 23, 2025, at her home. Barbara was born on July 5, 1937, in Duluth, MN, to Maude and Rudolph Mettner.

Barbara graduated from Central High School in 1955 and went on to attend Duluth Business University. After attending the university Barbara worked at New York Life. On January 9, 1968, Barbara married Gary J. Bowen in Bessemer, MI. Shortly after they were married Gary was drafted and Barbara moved to California to live with her sister, Jean and family while Gary was in basic training. Once Gary completed basic training he was stationed in Germany where Barbara and the girls joined him. In 1970, Gary and Barbara moved their family to Sandstone, where Gary had accepted a position with the Sandstone Federal Correctional Institution. Together they built a beautiful life and Barbara was able to live out her true passion as a devoted homemaker. Later in life Barbara would work with Gary at the Sandstone Golf Course occasionally.

Barbara was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Sandstone Quarry Lions, touching lives around her with her warm welcoming personality. She loved the outdoors, particularly fishing and golfing, and enjoyed bowling, gardening, and baking. Travel brought her joy, but her greatest happiness came from spending quality time with her cherished family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Bowen; her parents, Maude and Rudolph Mettner; and her sister, Jean Skinner.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Wayne) Holm of Coon Rapids, MN, Sheila (Troy) Sigurdson of Buffalo, MN, and Marcia Horgen of Bristow, VA. Barbara was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Brad Holm, Brianna (Luke) Smith, Jessa (Sam) Dahle, Jordan (Matt) Reiner, Jayna Sigurdson, Christian Horgen, Hana Horgen, Mark Holm, and Angela Holm. She also leaves behind two beautiful great-granddaughters, Eleanor and Nora, and her brother, Paul (Shirley) Mettner of Melbourne, FL.

A funeral service to remember Barbara will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 339 Division Street in Sandstone, MN. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation from 1 PM to 2 PM at the church. Barbara will be laid to rest at Spring Park Cemetery.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.