Owen grew up on a farm near Carlisle, MN and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1963. After earning his bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature/Letters at St. Olaf College, he enlisted in the Peace Corp, serving three years in Brazil. Owen taught at the University of Sassari in Italy on a Fulbright scholarship. While working towards his PhD, he received a Master of Arts (MA) in American Civilization. Owen and former spouse Gail Bonath had his first son, Blair, in 1976. He returned from Italy and joined the Mid Iowa Community Action Agency (MICA) in Marshalltown, where he worked for 30 years. He married Joyce Kay Best in 1981 and they had three children together in Marshalltown, Iowa. Owen had a fulfilling career with non-profits, writing grants and consulting for non-profit entities nationwide. A lifelong learner, in retirement Owen delighted in cooking, reading, playing bridge, and enjoying the company of his beloved orange cat, Cody. In the fall of 2023 Owen moved to Oklahoma to receive further care following a stroke in the spring of 2022.

His children especially wish to thank the wonderful caregivers who were a part of Owen’s life in his later years: Home Instead in Marshalltown, IA; Cornerstone Caregiving and Primrose Retirement Community in Stillwater, OK; and Trinity Woods and Seasons Hospice in Tulsa,OK. Owen will be interred in Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown, IA. In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a chocolate dessert in Owen’s honor. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.