John Owen

Owen, John E.MADISON-John E. Owen, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at his home, after a long illness. He was born on June 9, 1922, in Dixon, Ill., the son of Angus and Martha (Elliott) Owen. John served as an infantryman in World War II with 3d Platoon, Company I, 172d Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, from February 1943 until being honorably discharged in November 1945 at the rank of Corporal, Technician Fifth Grade. He participated in campaigns in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Luzon in the Philippines in the South West Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, among others. He married Bernice Bunny Doyle on April 24, 1965, in Madison. John worked for Oscar Mayer for 40 years. He was a member of the VFW Oregon Post No. 9379, and served as their commander from 1950-1951 and 1962-1963. John belonged to Immaculate Heart of Mary parish since 1965 and served as an usher, a volunteer for the food drive for Luke House, and as a visitor to many nursing homes as part of the Share Ministry Program. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and English Bulldogs, and at the cottage. John enjoyed gardening and his garden was featured in a national gardening magazine. He also liked deer hunting and salmon fishing. John is survived by his wife, Bernice Bunny of Madison; sons, John Jr. (Christa) Owen of Glen Carbon, Ill. and Patrick Owen of Waupun; grandchildren, Grace, Lillian, Evan, Brendan, Luke and Juliana; and brother, Gordon (Doris) Owen of Ocala, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward, Thomas, and Angus Icy and Bob; sister, Nellie; and infant brother. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2010, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted. A special thank you to Dr. Douglas Kutz and to nurses Julia and Barb for their years of dedication, encouragement, and love to John and Bunny. Cemetery: Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2010, with Father John Meinholz presiding.