Obituary of Norman A. Owen

Norman A. "Norm" Owen, 86, of 2627 South Ave. Jamestown, passed away at 10:48 a.m. Sunday, January 8, 2017, in his home following a brief illness. A lifelong area resident, he was born October 28, 1930 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Sigrid and Lorene Benson Owen. Norm was a 1948 graduate of Jamestown High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from February 13, 1951 to January 28, 1953 during the Korean War. Before his retirement just a week ago, he was employed in the meat department for Wegman's and in previous years had worked for the former Pearson's Market for many years and as a salesman for the Morell Meat Company. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran-Tree of Life Parish, the Ira Lou Spring Post 149 American Legion, the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and served as President of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation in Jamestown. He was famous for making his "Korvburgers" and sold them at many Swedish events throughout the year and at Wegman's. He also loved watching sports especially the Buffalo Bills games. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Evelyn F. Blair Owen whom he married December 22, 1956, his four children, Kirby D. (Lu Griz) Owen of Fernandina Beach, FL, Kristen L. (Tom) Rodgers of Jamestown, Jeffrey S. Owen of the Republic of Korea, Candace J. (Ken) Gearhart of Alexandria, KY, four grandsons, Brinton (Lynette) Battle of Newburgh, NY, Sheldon Battle of Tuscaloosa, AL, Kagan Gearhart and Colton Gearhart both of Alexandria, KY, and a sister, Romaine Ervin of Auburn Hills, MI. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017, in the Holy Trinity Lutheran-Tree of Life Parish. The Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt, chaplain of the Lutheran Home will officiate. Friends will be received from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service in the church. Memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran-Tree of Life Parish, 825 Forest Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Salvation Army, 83 South Main St. Jamestown, NY 14701.