Owen, Wilma Jean 1939-2014

OWEN, BEHR, SCHROEDER, SCHATZ, LOWERY

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 4/3/2014 at 14:36:50

Wilma J. (Mrs. James) Owen, 74, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Friday afternoon, March 7, 2014, at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport, Iowa.

The former Wilma Jean Behr was born July 29, 1939, in Clinton, Iowa, to Fred and Frieda (Schroeder) Behr. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Irvin W. Schatz. Wilma was a 1957 graduate of DeWitt High School. On July 24, 1957, she was united in marriage to James D. Owen, Jr. at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt. The couple resided in Riverside, California, while Jim served in the Air Force. They moved to DeWitt in March of 1960 where they raised their family. Wilma was a longtime employee of Skeffington's Jack and Jill Supermarket in DeWitt, retiring in 1975.

She was a lifetime dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt. Wilma loved the time she and Jim spent boating, bowling, golfing and playing cards with other special couples. She was a longtime member of Springbrook Country Club of DeWitt where she enjoyed all of the activities Springbrook had to offer. Wilma was an avid member of the DeWitt HART Center, exercising a couple hours daily for over 20 years.

Surviving are her loving husband of 56 years, Jim; sons, James D. Owen, III and his wife, Lisa of Davenport and Michael Owen of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Marlyss and Maxwell; a brother, Fred C. Behr of DeWitt; a sister, Clara Lowery of Delmar, Iowa; nieces and nephews.

Preceding Wilma in death were her mom and dad, Frieda and Irvin; a brother, Carl Schatz and a sister-in-law, Eula Behr.

Visitation will be held at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, with the Rev. Ron Rafferty officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.