Bernard (Bern/Bernie) E. Owen passed away April 19 in his home in Byron, MN at the age of 70 years old.
Bern was born Oct. 3rd, 1953 at Zumbrota Hospital to Thomas Owen and Laura (Schriever) Owen. He attended Mayo High School. After high school, he attended and graduated from the Carpentry School at Rochester Vocational School. Bern enjoyed carpentry and building things throughout his whole life, and he worked at Crenlo from the age of 18 until he retired at 62.
After his retirement, Bern continued with his hobbies of building and crafting. Since he had skills in carpentry, he loved woodworking and made furniture and gifts. He also took after his mother Laura who crocheted, and he crocheted many gifts for his family members including scarves, hats, ornaments, and afghans. During Christmas, Bern never missed sending a signed card to his family members. Holidays were special to him, and he was a generous gift-giver. His handmade gifts are treasured by his family members.
In his spare time, Bern had many hobbies including traveling, gardening, and fishing. When he was younger, he played in pool leagues. Bern also enjoyed watching movies, football, sports and television shows. He had an avid interest in music, especially classic rock. He loved to share his interests with his family by making them CDs and videos. Bern had a dry sense of humor, which will be deeply missed since he was always quick with a joke. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and every year took a trip to Mexico with his sister, Carol, his brother in law Bill, and other family. A few weeks before his death, Bern got to enjoy one final trip with his siblings to Mazatlan.
Along with his siblings, Bern also had close relationships with his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Whenever family members saw Bern, he would give them a hug, and many of his nieces jokingly claimed that they were his “favorite” because he made them all feel loved whenever he saw them.
Bern was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale Owen and Dennis Owen; sisters Diane O’Connor and Brenda Henricus; his niece Lisa Owen and a nephew Ed Owen. He is survived by brothers Wayne (Pat) Owen, Don (Linda) Owen and sister Carol (Bill) Larson.
Bern will be greatly missed by his family who remember him for his infectious humor and generous spirit.
A celebration of life will be held May 23rd from 11am to 2pm with the service at 11:30 am at Rochester Cremation Services at 1605 Civic Center Drive NW.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Bern may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
We only remember the Mexico Bernie that we met every year in Mazatlan. We didn’t realize he was so multi-talented. Loved his music tapes and sense of humor. He will be missed in the coming years in Mexico. Wish we had lived close enough to get to know him better.
Our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Bern was a great friend & I loved him like a brother. He will be missed.