Denise Mary (Kreim) Bowen
Denise Mary (Kreim) Bowen, age 63, of Green, died peacefully Thursday night, October 17, 2024 at her home with her family by her side. Her death follows a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born May 8, 1961 in Bucyrus, Ohio to the late John W. and Regine M. (Kempf) Kreim, she was proud to be raised on a farm in New Washington where she had a wholesome childhood and family life that formed her values and Catholic faith. She graduated in 1979 from Buckeye Central High School and subsequently attended the University of Akron earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, while continuing one of her true passions as a cheerleader for the Zips. Denise was a lifelong cheerleader and would go on to coach several school and competitive teams. Denise also met her husband, James (Jim) Michael Bowen, at the University of Akron and they were married on September 20, 1986.
Once she had children, Denise’s life and work was entirely dedicated to her family. She was passionate about anything her family was involved in and you could often find her at her children’s baseball and soccer games, traveling to a cheer competition or volunteering at St. Francis de Sales and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where her kids attended. She volunteered for the Hartville Welcome Wagon for many years, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, and offered her time and energy to many opportunities that presented themselves through church and school.
Denise loved traveling, and particularly the annual trip with her family to Myrtle Beach, a trip that took on new meaning with her diagnosis and the addition of several grandchildren. She was a planner at heart and would often talk about the fine details of memorable trips to Europe or a meal at the monthly Diners and Dives Club with some of her closest friends. Denise was a fantastic cook – family rarely missed the opportunity for a meal at her house – and penned some of the family’s most coveted recipes. She was also a shopper, always searching for the next ‘deal’. Although she was late to embrace e-commerce, she quickly mastered it over the last several years to the benefit of her grandchildren and Jim’s demise. Denise valued her time with her grandchildren the most – they were the apple of her eye and her true joy, often providing renewed energy during her recent struggles.
A devout Catholic, Denise was dedicated to praying the Rosary daily and a faithful member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green and St. Francis De Sales Parish in Coventry.
Jim survives along with their children: Anthony (Emily) Bowen of Akron and Anna (Ryan) Kiefer of Maineville; grandchildren: Nora Bowen, William Bowen, Rhett Kiefer, Finley Kiefer, and Ruby Bowen; her sisters: Joan (David) Field of Marion and Kathy (Gary) Siesel of Bellevue; mother-in-law: Arlene Bowen of Cuyahoga Falls; in-laws: Shirley Kreim of Shelby, Cindy (Brian) Thompson of Bath, Debbie (Craig) Mottice of Green, and Mike (Kathy) Bowen of Cuyahoga Falls; 20 nieces and nephews and their families, and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Denise was preceded in death by her brother: Robert “Rob” Kreim; and father-in-law: James M. Bowen.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875 where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Additionally, visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 10 am-12 noon at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the church at 12:15 pm. Rev. G. David Bline will celebrate Mass with Rev. David R. Durkee concelebrating. Entombment will take place in Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron, with a meal to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Heaven Catholic Church or St. Francis de Sales School, Akron.
Condolences may be left on Denise’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Denise’s tribute video click here: Denise’s tribute video.
Our deepest condolences to Jim and the entire family.
God Bless
Michael & Cindy Pollard
May the cherished memories of Denise bring you peace. Ed & I send you our condolences.
We are so very sorry to hear of Denise’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to you, Jim and the entire Bowen family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heaven is getting the best cheerleader they could ask for.
My heart goes out to everyone touched by Denise. I’ll never forget her warm smile and the energy she would bring to every Giants game. She will be missed by many.
Tammy and I want to send our condolences and prayers to you and your family that God gives you the strength and faith during these difficult times.
Jim, Anthony and Anna:
Your wife and mother will be missed! Denise was a trooper and seemed like nothing could hold her back. Her perseverance was like no other. She would don her sunglasses, floppy hat and make her trek around the neighborhood. One foot in front of the other. Today she walks with Jesus, and cheering loudly in paradise. Peace be with each of you now and in the days ahead.
My sincere and heart filled sympathies go to Jim, Anthony, Anna and the entire family. I’ll never forget Denise’s laughter and kindness. My prayers and blessings are with you.
Sincerely,
Mary
Jim and family I am extremely sorry for your loss.Denise was simply a nice, compassionate and caring person. Everyone that met her through me always said the exact same thing. She had that affect on everyone. The last time I saw her was in Fla and going thru some rough times the first thing she did was come up to me and say” how you doing buddy” and give me a hug.Here she was dealing with these medical issues and challenges but in spite of that she wanted to make sure I was doing ok and lend me her support. That is Denise and what made her so special. Keep your memories of her close because those will give you joy,support and guidance in the future. God bless Denise and her family and rest in peace.
Our hearts cry for your pain Jim. Denise is one of a kind and top of the heap in so many ways. What a joy to be in her presence. Her energy was infectious. May God bless you with peace and understanding. And please know that she is in a place of love waiting to be with all whom she loves again when the time is right. Our condolences, Jeff & Tina Gill
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please understand that her memory will live on and breathe new life into each and every day. Best wishes.
Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. May Denise Rest in Peace and may God give you comfort.
So Sorry to hear this. Although I did not know Denise well, she was always such a cheerful and kind person. And always with that beautiful smile on her face. I hope her family finds peace at this sad time. May she rest in peace.
Jim & Family —
We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. May God grant you strength and peace as you navigate healing.
We are here if there is anything you need.
God bless your family.
Sending my condolences to all, especially Denise’s immediate family. Joan and Kathy you are in my prayers. What a wonderful life she lived. May she rest in peace in heaven with the rest of our family. Keep her beautiful memories close. Love to all.
My most sincere condolences to Jim and his family.
Jim (my grand big)
My prayers are with you and your family.
I know first hand that God provides you the peace and understanding when we ask.
Please don’t hesitate to give me a call if you need to just talk.
Love you
Todd (GA1274)
Jim and family – we just heard of Denise’s passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. Jerry and I immediately remembered whenever we saw Denise how sweet and funny she was. Even after all these years….a person like Denise never leaves your memory. We still can see her smile and hear her laugh. She will truly be missed. All our love to you and your family.
Jim,
I was saddened to hear about Denise. Though she’ll be greatly missed, the memories will keep her alive in your hearts. Know that you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.