Marge Grahn-Bowman

Marge Grahn-Bowman, devoted and doting wife, mother and grandmother, progressive Christian of deep and abiding faith, social justice crusader, compassionate and empathetic therapist and educator died suddenly due to heart attack on July 29, 2020 at age 79 in her home in Saint Paul, MN. She is survived by her beloved husband Ted; daughter Beth (Maddock) Magistad (husband Steve), son Brian Maddock, stepsons David Bowman (wife Lori) and Michael Bowman (wife Becca); grandchildren Karley Bowman, Liam Magistad, Luke Magistad, Hope Bowman. Grandson, Chris Bowman, died in 2017. Also by many beloved nephews/nieces, grandnephews/nieces and countless friends and colleagues in Minnesota, other states and countries, who will miss our Marge and her world renowned, long-lasting and warm-hearted hugs.

Marguerite (Marge) Ellen Grahn was born December 14, 1940 at Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn Michigan daughter of Marguerite Ellen (Hopps) Grahn and Arthur Norman Grahn. Her two older brothers were Rodney (9.5 years older) and Gregg (4.5 years older). Later in the day on December 14 her mom died tragically of birth complications. At 18 months, her overwhelmed father took her to live with her Grandma and Grandpa Grahn in Detroit. She lived with her Grandma, Grandpa and “Auntie Margaret” until she went to college.

Marge was a very good student who attended Clark public school in Detroit followed by Peace Lutheran School through eighth grade. At Lutheran High East she sang in the choir, served on student council, was on “Queen’s Court”, and was editor of the school newspaper. She graduated as valedictorian in 1959 and attended Valparaiso University where she majored in Social Work and minored in Spanish and Religion. When she graduated in 1963, she joined the Valparaiso Inner-City Peace Corps and served at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York. She proudly took part in the 1963 March on Washington.

In 1964 she married James Maddock. She gave birth to Beth-Ellen Maddock in 1968 and Brian Dale Maddock in 1974.  Parenting them was a highlight of her life. Marge and Jim divorced and Marge met Ted Bowman through a mutual friend. They married in 1979.  Marge and Ted successfully blended their families and Marge loved Ted’s sons, David and Michael, as her own. 

Marge loved her work.  She cherished her years at Sagaris Women’s Collective from 1980 to 1999. After that, she started a private practice in individual and couples therapy which she continued actively until her death. Her work also included training mental health professionals in the UK and many years of teaching and advising at Saint Mary’s University--Twin Cities.

Marge was a vital and active resident of the St. Anthony Park area of St. Paul for over 45 years. Most important to her was the life and ministry of St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ. She served on many boards, was moderator of the congregation, and a participant in a wide range of church events, activities and ministries. Her faith, first nurtured in the Lutheran schools and churches of her youth expanded as she grew. She came to highly value the wider arms of inclusion of the United Church of Christ.

A virtual memorial service will be held Saturday, August 8 at 11 AM. The Zoom link will be available on the St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ website (sapucc.org) later in the week. In lieu of a reception, after the 11:00 AM memorial service there will be a brief break followed by stories prepared by six or so family members, friends and colleagues. Please join the family for any or all of the memorial and storytelling.

In lieu of flowers, we urge gifts to charities supporting inclusion and justice. Particular organizations for which Marge would appreciate gifts are: St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ (Checks with memo to church at 2129 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul MN 55108, St. Anthony Park Foundation (https://www.sapfoundation.org/donate), or the non-profit work of ISAIAH (https://www.givemn.org/organization/Isaiah).

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