Report on the Life and Community Contributions of Gerald L. Bowen

Biographical Data and Contribution to Longevity Goals

This report outlines the life and legacy of Gerald L. “Jerry” Bowen, whose lifespan of 96 years exemplifies progress toward SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• Subject: Gerald L. “Jerry” Bowen
• Date of Birth: March 13, 1929
• Date of Death: July 3, 2025
• Place of Birth: Merrillan, Wisconsin
• Place of Death: DeForest, Wisconsin

Familial Network and Social Cohesion

The subject was part of a multi-generational family unit, a key component of a stable and supportive social fabric, which aligns with the principles of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The family structure is documented as follows:

Surviving Family Members:

• Jean Janke (Sister)
• Mary Revis (Daughter)
• Jim Bowen (Son)
• Kerry Bowen (Grandchild)
• Casey Bowen (Grandchild)
• Kyle Bowen (Grandchild)
• Michael Revis (Grandchild)
• Grayson Revis (Great-grandchild)
• Paige Revis (Great-grandchild)
• Knole Bowen (Great-grandchild)
• Edyth Bowen (Great-grandchild)
• Morgan Henly (Great-grandchild)

Predeceased Family Members:

• Floyd Bowen (Father)
• Elsie (Brewer) Bowen (Mother)
• Alberta Bowen (Wife)
• Gary Bowen (Son)
• Arnold Bowen (Sibling)
• Dennis Bowen (Sibling)
• Melvin Bowen (Sibling)
• Mary Lou Bowen (Sibling)

Community Engagement and Institutional Support

Memorial services are scheduled to be held within established community institutions, highlighting their role in fostering social inclusion and providing support systems, which are central to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

1. Visitation: July 19, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, DeForest, Wisconsin.
2. Funeral Service: July 19, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, with Pastor Sue Beadle officiating.
3. Community Luncheon: A luncheon will be held at the church following the service, promoting fellowship and community bonding.

Legacy Initiatives and Partnerships for Sustainable Development

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a legacy initiative that directly supports local development goals through strategic partnerships, reflecting the core mission of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Memorial donations are directed to the following organizations, which contribute to building resilient and inclusive local infrastructure:

• DeForest Area Community Center: Support for this organization directly advances SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by investing in inclusive, safe, and accessible public spaces for all community members.
• Christ Lutheran Church: Contributions reinforce the role of local institutions in providing social support and fostering community well-being, aligning with the broader aims of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article connects to this goal by highlighting a long life and the availability of care for the elderly. The subject of the obituary, Gerald Bowen, lived to be 96 years old and spent his final days in a “Parkside Senior Living” facility, which points to societal structures that support well-being in old age.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This goal is relevant through the mention of key community institutions. The request for memorial donations to the “DeForest Area Community Center” and “Christ Lutheran Church” underscores their importance as inclusive spaces that foster community cohesion and social interaction.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article provides an example of this goal in action at a local level. The family’s request for “memorial donations” in lieu of flowers represents a form of civil society partnership, mobilizing private financial resources to support local community organizations.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. While a death at age 96 is not premature, the article’s focus on a long life and residence in a senior living facility relates to the broader aim of promoting health and well-being at all ages.
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. The “DeForest Area Community Center” and “Christ Lutheran Church” are examples of such community spaces that serve the public, including older persons like Mr. Bowen.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The call to action for donations is a direct example of a civil society partnership, where individuals are encouraged to financially support local institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 3.4: The article implies indicators related to well-being for the elderly. The specific age of death (“age 96”) serves as an anecdotal data point for longevity. The existence of specialized facilities like “Parkside Senior Living of DeForest” indicates the availability of services that support the well-being of the elderly population.
• Indicators for Target 11.7: The article explicitly names community assets that function as inclusive public spaces. The existence and community support for the “DeForest Area Community Center” and “Christ Lutheran Church” can be considered indicators of access to community infrastructure.
• Indicators for Target 17.17: The article provides a specific indicator of local-level resource mobilization. The request for “memorial donations” is a measurable action of private financial flows being directed to support civil society organizations.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: legacy.com