Joseph was born on November 6, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Mary (Fanning) Bowens. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara (married for 70 years), parents, brother Robert Emmett, and sisters Rosemary and Patsy Ann. Joseph is survived by his sister Margaret Jarnagin and by his five children Kevin (Patricia), Dan (Pat Byrne), Kathleen McGilliard (Lance), Brian, and Patricia Susmarski (Brian), his 9 grandchildren Megan (Jon), Joey (Tana), Claire (Peter), Hanna (Mike), Emily, Tess, Matthew (Ashley), Mitchell (Julia), Morgan (Calvin), and nine great grandchildren Noah, Nathan, Clara, Olivia, Thomas, Cayden, Paxton, Maeve, and Shae.
Joseph attended Quigley and Our Lady of the Lake Seminaries, was a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago. Joseph served in the United States Army, and was stationed in South Korea as part of the United Nations Military Armistice Commission. He worked as a District Sales Manager for Teletype Corporation and AT&T. A kind person with a great sense of humor, Joseph was devoted to his family, a loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed golf, tennis, Chicago sports, and family gatherings on holidays and special occasions. Joseph and his family were members of St. Colette Parish since 1958.
Visitation Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 10:30am until 12pm at Addolorata Villa, 553 McHenry Rd., Wheeling, IL with Funeral Mass beginning at 12pm. Interment All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers Memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Ministries Addolorata Villa Gift of Care Program 555 McHenry Road, Wheeling, Illinois 60090.
