Willard Bowne, age 74 of Sioux Falls, S.D., passed away with family at his side on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the Avera Heart Hospital.
Willard Allen Bowne was born Sept. 24, 1950, in Watertown, S.D. to Lewis and Mary (Neuberger) Bowne. He graduated from Clark High School in 1969. Willard then attended SDSU, graduating in 1973. He went on to work at John Morrell's, later Smithfield, where he worked his entire career.
On Sept. 6, 1986, he was united in marriage with Susan Theis at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, Minn. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved into their home in Sioux Falls on Havenhill Drive where they remained ever since and raised one child. Willard retired from Smithfield in October 2016 after 37 years.
Willard enjoyed farm life growing up and would show livestock at the Clark County Fair. He went pheasant hunting yearly in South Dakota. Willard also watched Twins baseball all season and attended games in Minneapolis with his family. He could often be found on the sofa reading; he had a particular interest in military books. Willard was a member of Hope Lutheran church where he attended services regularly and was a choir member while he was still physically able.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Susan and son Jay Bowne of Sioux Falls; brothers Lowell Bowne of Clark and Bryan Bowne (Babs) of Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Freman.
Visitation with the family present was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls. A funeral service was held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls.
For obituary and online registry please visit www.millerfh.com.
