Bernard "Bernie" Owen

Bernard “Bernie” Lee Owen, the son of Alfred and Lillian (Johnson) Owen, was born January 3, 1933, at his parents’ home in Audubon, Iowa and died peacefully December 11, 2019, at his home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 5 days.

Bernie was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. He attended the Audubon Community Schools graduating, with the High School Class of 1951. On July 27, 1951, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his tour of duty he served on the U.S.S. Essex and later the U.S.S. Boxer. They were stationed at Okinawa, Japan, China, and other locations in the Pacific Theater. Bernie was honorably discharged on July 21, 1955. He returned to Audubon and was employed at City Service.

On June 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Bessie Deist at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: Cindy and Lynn. They purchased City Service in Audubon, which they operated until they sold the business in 1959. Bernie was then employed at the United States Postal Service, where he later became the Postmaster in 1974. He served in that capacity until he retired from the Postal Service in 1991. Bernie worked for Dura Glass delivering fiberglass truck beds all over the United States for several years. He then was employed at Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinics delivery supplies until he fully retired in the mid 2000s.

Bernie was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. He was a life member of the Dale Christensen Post #4119, V.F.W. and Audubon Post #120, American Legion. Bernie was also a member of the Lions Club in Audubon. Bernie and Bessie delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years. He enjoyed woodworking, doing “fixer-upper” projects around the house, his automobiles, and spending time with family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers and sister, Auggie and wife Elaine Owen, Lucille and husband Leonard Wiges, and George Owen; and his brother-in-law Frank Obermeier.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie Owen of Audubon; his children, Dr. Cindy Owen and husband Russell Fett of Poway, California and Dr. Lynn Owen and wife Elizabeth Smithey-Owen of West Des Moines, Iowa; his grandchildren: Andrea and husband Scott Tatum of Escondido, California; Emily Fett of Portland, Oregon; Tanner Owen of West Des Moines; Garrett Owen of Chicago, Illinois; Madeleine Smithey-Owen and Lucas Owen, both of West Des Moines; his sister-in-law, Betty Obermeier of Audubon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The family will meet with friends on Thursday evening December 26, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Keith Menter on Friday morning December 27, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. The urn will be placed in the Columbarium Wall at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The honorary casket bearers will be Andrea Fett-Tatum, Emily Fett, Tanner Owen, Garrett Owen, Madeleine Smithey-Owen, and Lucas Owen.