Susan Renae (Schatz) Bowen, age 50, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 30, 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born July 9, 1972 in Flandreau, SD to Jerry and Lucille Schatz. She married Tyler Bowen on August 2, 1997 in Winona, MN.
Born and raised in Flandreau, Susie, as she was affectionately called, graduated in 1991 from Flandreau High School. In addition to her Business Administration degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, she holds a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Winona State University. She worked in Minnesota schools including Houston, Marshall, and Minneota as a school counselor. Recently, she served in the Harrisburg and Sioux Falls school districts before finishing her career at Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School.
Susie can be described as an “old soul”. She loved Bon Jovi, Friends, Seinfeld and solitaire. She loved spending time in the summer on her deck, taking care of her flowers and shuttling and watching Brent and Brooke's activities. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She enjoyed decorating, listening to Christmas music, baking treats and watching her favorite movies. The family was so fortunate to spend Christmas together at home this year.
Grateful for sharing her life are her husband, Tyler Bowen; children, Brent and Brooke; parents, Jerry and Lucille Schatz; sisters, Jackie (Jerry) Pommer, Gina (Steve) Chamberlain and Julie (Steve) Ruprecht; parents-in-law, Joe and Alice Bowen; sister-in-law, Nichelle (Scott) Kaul; brother-in-law, Ryan (Wendy) Bowen; nieces and nephews, Lauren (Frank) and their children Everly and Oliver; Allie, Jarred (Bree), Cydney (Reagan), Kayla, Kylie, Erin, Isabel, Ben, Zach, Jared (Kelli), Jason (Lizzy) and AJ; many family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Casper and Catherine Kraft and special friend, Julie Burns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will go towards Brent and Brooke’s education and the creation of the Susan Bowen Student Success Fund. Susie was passionate about helping students succeed in and out of the classroom. Annually, funds will support student programs and be administered through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. Contributions may be sent directly to the family or through www.givesendgo.com/
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 3-6 pm, with the memorial service starting at 6:00 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 5509 W. 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. Cake fellowship will follow the service. Susie loved cake.
The service will be live streamed at https://peacelutheran.online.
