Vicki K. Bowen, age 71, of Riceville, Iowa, and formerly of Lime Springs, Iowa, passed away Friday August 8, 2025 at the Riceville Family Care Center.
Vicki Kay Merkel was born September 2, 1953 in Spring Valley, Minn., to Harvey and Marcella (Jahns) Merkel. She attended and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1972 and attended college for a short time following. On December 7, 1974, she was united in Marriage to Paul Bowen at the First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley after meeting him 17 weeks earlier. Together they bought a farm near Spring Valley where they milked and raised chickens and hogs. In 1988 they moved into Spring Valley. Vicki worked for Benjamin Franklin, Snyder Drugs and Health Mart. In 1991 they moved to Lime Springs and in 1993 they bought a farm near Lime Springs. Paul passed away in 2019. Vicki was a long time Sunday School teacher, helped with Vacation Bible School and served on the church council. She enjoyed landscaping, interior design, being outdoors (with a fire), walking to Dollar General in Riceville and most of all she loved her grandchildren.
Vicki was a hardworking woman, strong in her faith and determined to face all challenges with a smile and grace in her heart. She was an amazing farm wife, mother and grandmother. She never met a stranger, always greeting everyone with a smile and moment to chat. Vicki’s favorite times were with family and friends, filled with laughter and happiness.
She is survived by her sons Matthew (Melisse`) Bowen of Caledonia, Minn., Daniel Bowen of Lime Springs, and Christopher (Elizabeth) Bowen of Lime Springs; grandchildren Dalten, Cassidy, Josie and Molly; siblings Barb Mattison, Gene (Darlene) Merkel, Carol (Gary) Broadwater and Steve (Sandy) Merkel; and a sister-in-law, Norma Merkel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald and brother-in-law Gary Mattison.
Funeral service for Vicki Bowen will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lime Springs, Iowa, with Pastor Jeff Jacobs officiating. Burial will take place later that day at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, Minn.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.