OBITUARY
Sue Bowden
January 16, 1947 – December 25, 2020
Springfield, IL-Sue A. Bowden, 73, of Springfield, went to her heavenly home to join the choir of angels early Christmas morning.
She was born in Springfield, January 16, 1947 the daughter of Harry and Mildred (Schulze) Bowden. She was educated at Trinity Lutheran School in Springfield, went on to graduate from Lanphier High School in 1965 and then from Valparaiso University in 1969.
Sue began her teaching career with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the fall of 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran School in Ellisville, MO, she then accepted a call to serve at Our Savior’s Lutheran School, Springfield, IL where she served as the Varsity Volleyball Coach leading the her squad to the State Championship in 1991. Sue also served as the director of the adult choir, middle school choir as well directed several musicals and Christmas programs for many years. She would leave her hometown to serve as principal at St. John’s Lutheran School in Champaign, IL and later to Zion Lutheran School in Alexandria, MN where she would retire as principal. She followed her passion for education and missions to serve in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Office in Hong Kong. Sue then served as an educator at the Hong Kong International School. She returned to Springfield and served as a Tutor and Mentor at Our Savior’s Lutheran School retiring a second time at the conclusion of the 2018-2019 school year.
Sue was graced with a beautiful voice that she humbly shared over the years at weddings, funerals and in worship. Although no children of her own, she was seen as a parent figure to many children over the years that she mentored and guided in her role as a teacher and administrator. Sue was passionate about using her resources to support others in need. In her later years, she became even more excited about being able to support the efforts that were intentionally focused on the proclamation of the Gospel. Sue loved to travel and learn about other cultures. She loved history, instilled in her by her father, particularly the Civil War which culminated in her organizing an eighth grade class trip (class of 1995-1996) to Washington D.C.
She was a dear and wonderful friend to many across the globe. Supportive and loving colleague in ministry and a humble servant of the Lord. Her family was extremely important to her. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and Godmother. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL from 9:30 am until 11:15 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 am at the church with Rev. Daniel Eggold officiating. Those wishing to attend the service must pre-register at http://www.oursaviors-church.org/suebowdenfuneral Cremation rites will be accorded following the service with private family inurnment in Roselawn Memorial Park. CDC and IDPH guidelines will be followed requiring face coverings and social distancing. 100 guest will be allowed in the church a one time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Savior's Lutheran School 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL 62704 or Mission for Christ-Intentional Gospel Proclamation PO Box 533 Concordia, MO 64020 www.missionforchrist.org.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family. Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West 217-544-5424
FAMILY
- Harry Bowden, Father (deceased)
- Mildred Bowden, Mother (deceased)
- Art Bowden (Sue Schaeffer), Brother
- Charlie Bowden (Diana), Brother
- Carol De Land, Sister
- Dr. H. Brent De Land, Brother-in-law (deceased)
- Heather MacGregor (Brian), Niece
- Joshua De Land (Sarah), Nephew
- Nathan De Land (companion Jessica Metcalf), Nephew
- Sue also hasa great nephew and a great niece, several cousins and a host of friends and colleagues.
DONATIONS
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Our Savior's Lutheran School
2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL 62704
- Mission for Christ
Services
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Visitation
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
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Funeral Service
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Memories
Sue Bowden
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYArmand Prosperini
January 1, 2021
Art and Sue I am sorry to hear about your sister passing. Prayers for her and your family.
Armand
Sally Jackson
December 30, 2020
Dear Family:
We are so sorry that we will not be able to attend Sue's services. Know that we are thinking about you and sending you strength and prayers.
Sue was a special person from a special family. She had a zest for life along with beautiful gifts that she shared with us, her friends and her church. Sue was a dedicated daughter, teacher, friend, and Lutheran, but she was not all work. She traveled and enjoyed life, too. Now, she is with your folks and all our relatives that preceded her to Heaven. She is happy and with her Lord. I will never forget her.
But, it is you that are left here, to go on without her. We wish you all peace and that time and the good memories you share will sustain you. Please take care of each other.
In deepest sympathy,
Sally and Terry Jackson
Darrel Wernsing
December 30, 2020
We are saddened to hear of Sue's death, but we are gladdened by the fact that she is indeed in Heaven today with her Savior and Lord! My wife Karen and I were privileged to know Sue as we taught at St. John's Lutheran school in Beardstown, and Zion, Mt. Pulaski during the time that Sue was at Our Savior's. We certainly enjoyed her sense of humor, and also the Christmas sing fests at St. John's hospital courtesy of the work of Ron Krohse.
May God keep the family in His arms as a continuing reminder of what Sue taught for so many years - God's grace and favor for us as His children. God is truly with you!!!
Ron Krohse
December 30, 2020
What a privilege to know Sue. We were blessed to coach against her, sing with her, and share the love of Jesus caroling at St. John's Hospital. Know that our loving God will give comfort and strength to her family and friends. Love, Ron and Mary Ann Krohse
Jeanne Minser
December 30, 2020
Art,
I am so sorry to read of the loss of your sister Sue.
Sounds like she was a wonderful, Faith based person of which this world needs more of. I will be saying prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jeanne
Erik Larson
December 30, 2020
Art, sad to hear of your sister’s death. Richard Riecks from the old neighborhood let me know. Thinking of you. Erik
Deborah Fricke
December 29, 2020
Sue was such a beautiful person inside and out. She did everything to the glory of God, whether it was teaching, coaching or singing.
She is singing with the choir in heaven. She will be greatly missed but knowing she is with her Lord and love ones brings so much comfort.
Carol De Land
December 29, 2020
Carol De Land
December 29, 2020
Cathleen Benning
December 29, 2020
I had the privilege of teaching with Sue at Our Savior’s Lutheran School for many years! She was a strong Christian educator. Sue truly “walked the talk”! She shared the gifts God gave her with students, families, and staff. I was proud to call her my friend! God blesses always.
Karen Nahnsen
December 29, 2020
Sue was my 7th grade teacher when she taught at St John’s Ellisville. She was also my youth group leader. We were friends ever since that time. All through high school I would stop by her apartment for a chat that lasted for hours. In college and still in STL I would call her after attending the candlelight service and we would ring in Christmas Day together. Sue was instrumental in my decision to go into education. I just retired after 39 years. She sang at our wedding 38 years ago and when we moved to Springfield we reconnected even more. Our frequency for communication has dwindled in the last several years, but whenever we did speak it was like we hadn’t missed a beat. I will cherish our friendship and all the memories. Art, Carol and Charlie I’m holding you close to my heart and in my prayers. Karen Nahnsen
Kimberly Holloway
December 29, 2020
I am saddened to hear of the loss of such a beautiful soul. Ms. Bowden was my 7th grade teacher at Our Savior's in 1977-78. She was my teacher but also truly cared about me and was always available to listen. She was always excited to see me, even years after I left Our Savior's.
My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to her family and they are in my thoughts & prayers.