David Bowen
September 29, 2008
David A. Bowen, 53, died September 29th, 2008 from complications following a stroke while working for the Des Moines Police Department on Saturday, September 27th. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 am Friday, October 3rd at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Public visitation will be from 12-8 pm Thursday at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home with family present from 4-8 pm.
Dave was born June 6th, 1955 in Des Moines to Chris and Charlotte Bowen. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1973 and served in the United States Army, honorably discharging in 1976.
Dave joined the Des Moines Police Department on June 6th, 1977 where he was assigned as an officer to the Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1993 and was assigned to the Communication Section, Narcotics Unit, Uniform Patrol and the Traffic Unit. In 2005 Dave was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, serving in the Office of Professional Standard, Metro Star, and the Traffic Unit. Throughout his 31 year career, Dave was recognized with numerous commendations.
Dave continued his education, graduating with honors in 2000 from Upper Iowa University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement. In 2003, he earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration with honors from Drake University. In December, 2007 he completed the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Sandi (Zavalla) who share three loving children, Darla (Reggie) Blackwell of Topeka KS, Melanie Cox of Grimes and Jay (Jonnalyn) DuBois of Urbandale; they are blessed with six grandchildren, Paisley, Devin, Jordan, Nate, Jaden & Ethan; his brothers, Gary (Karon), Chris and Steve (Yvonne) Bowen all of Des Moines; his sister, Karen (David) Perry of Jefferson; sixteen nieces and nephews; numerous aunts and uncles and his maltese, Lexus.
Dave was preceded in death by parents Chris and Charlotte, and his sister Elaine.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Des Moines Police Burial Association.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Liz Tucci Calisesi
10/05/2008
Sandi,
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our class had a great time at our 35th reunion and it is always fun to see you and Dave,........I was shocked when I heard of the loss of our fellow classmate and my thoughts turned to you and your family as you grieve the tragic passing of your loved one. May your cherished memories of Dave give you comfort and remember that he will never be forgotten by the ALHS Class of 1973, he was truly a wonderful man.
With a heartfelt hug of sympathy,
Liz Tucci Calisesi
Mary (Smith) Bertogli
10/02/2008
Sandy,
I am very sorry to hear about Dave. Like others in our class, I was shocked to hear the news. I jumped online to check emails and saw an email from Deb Swanson Dresbeck. I amso sorry.
I did not get much time to spend with you at the reunion as I arrived late but I was thrilled to see you. Even happy to hear that you were married and doing well.
Just know that you have many people to care for you and have you in their thoughts and prayers. I am glad to hear that Becky is there with you - kinda like the old days.
I have to be out of town tomorrow so I will not see you but will think of you often and keep you in my prayers.
Mary (Smith) Bertogli
Mike Ficcola
10/02/2008
I am unbelievably shocked to hear of Dave's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and I truly regret that I will be unable to attend the services as I am in San Diego. I am deeply saddened and will greatly miss Dave. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time of loss.
Dave Dearinger
10/02/2008
Sandy:
You've lost your husband, your best friend, and your good buddy. May the Lord be with you through this lost.
I remember showing Dave a site on the internet that I add people to that I know and he thought that it was neat. I have added Dave to the this site and I know from experience that it gives peace of mind to go there as often as you wish and leave messages, flowers, pictures etc. The site is: findagrave.com
Mark Blunck
10/02/2008
Dear Sandy and Family,
My heart goes out to you Sandy and all family and friends - all of you in this time of loss of one of the finest people ever in our lives. Dave was a genuinely humble and proud man and one of the finest individuals I've met - and a long time childhood friend. Our days growing up cannot be matched and he will always have a place in my heart and mind. He represented how a true gentlemen acts and cares about others. You and all of us have lost a unique man that transcended typical common goodness and made us all think about our lives and how to be better human beings. And how to act towards others in our lives. My sympathy goes out to you, his brother Gary, and all family and friends, and my thoughts are with all of you. Keep the great memories with you at all times and know that his little corner of the world was made better by his being with us. Take care and everyone be there for each other. Love, Mark Blunck.
Becky Rieniets Bobek
10/01/2008
Dear cousins, my thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
I hope that family, friends, and all the good memories of David that we keep
in our hearts provide some comfort to you as they have to me.
With deepest sympathy,
Becky
Michelle Greene
10/01/2008
Dear Sandy & Family,
Thinking of you at all times. Stay strong and God will see you through this. Never let go of the precious memories...
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michelle Greene (co-worker of Sandy)
Kathy and Bill Roth
10/01/2008
Sandi
We cannot even comprehend the pain you must be feeling in your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you that God will give you the strength and comfort to get through this time!
Love Kathy and Bill Roth
Crystal and Mitt Parker
10/01/2008
Sandi and Family,
Words cannot begin to express the pain in your hearts, I know. We are so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of you, and praying for your strength.. With a heavy heart, Crystal and Mitt Parker..
Dee McCoy Davis
09/30/2008
As a fellow classmate of the Lincoln High Class of 1973 I send my deepest sympathy to all of Dave's family. He was a great guy and I know he will be terribly missed. I pray that your memories of him will be a source of comfort. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deb (Birdsall) Williams
09/30/2008
Dear Sandy, thinking of your family and so sorry for your loss.
I'm grateful to your Dave for his service to our country in an era during which it was far from popular to do so. I am grateful as well for his many years of service to our community as a Des Moines police officer. God bless you, your family and friends, may good memories be of comfort to you all.
Deb Williams / Class of '73
Pam & Terry (Dasher & Teddy)
09/30/2008
We've never met, but want to express our deepest sympathies at this time for your loss.
We are a part of the McDoodle family and Gina is a very special family member. The wonderful blankets you have made the pups are fantastic....in your own way you are a part of this family as well.....
Your husband was a special person....please know, even tho we haven't met, we mourn with you.....
Again, we are so very sorry for your loss....
Deb Swanson-Dresback
09/30/2008
We the class of Lincoln High 1973 have lost another friend,and classmate.We are all mourning this great loss.There is nothing to be said to make our grieving hearts heal.What a shock.Last weekend,we were celebrating as friends
and classmates.
To Sandi and the whole Bowen family..We are with you.We have lost a real friend.We still cannot accept this.We have no guarantees in life,but,I thank God we had that reunion.
Our love and prayers are with you all.
The Lincoln Class Of 1973 Together Always
P.J. Mayfield
09/30/2008
So many great words and thoughts have already been expressed, I join them and add that I wish you comfort, and in time, peace.
So thankful that Dave could be with all of his friends at the reunion and what a comfort to have all your friends so close.
P.J. Mayfield
Mike and Mary Kay (Masolini) Zaver
09/30/2008
Sandy and Family,
My heart is so broken for you, Dave was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
We have all been truely blessed to have known him and he is now in a wonderful place and will be looking out for all of us.
You have many friends that will help you through this.
You are in my prayers.
Mary Kay