Gene Cowen

Norredden Gene Cowen, 79 of Gaithersburg, MD was released from his suffering with ALS and passed into eternal rest on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, MD.

He was born on May 15, 1935 to Norredden and Elvia Arline (Travis) Cowen. He married Betty Jane Martha Hoehne; she survives.

Gene graduated from Greenville High School, class of 1953, and Ranken Trade School in Industrial Electrical Technology, class of 1955. Gene started his career with IBM and shortly after was called to duty in the Army for two years. Upon his discharge from the Army he rejoined IBM and retired as a system analyst after 37 years of service. He then began a second career as a real estate agent with his wife. Gene ascended to Master of Masonic Lodge #21 in Rochester, MN in 1982 and achieved the 32 Degree, later joining Osman Shrine in Minneapolis, MN.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years Betty Jane Martha Cowen; Daughters, Susan (husband, Jerry) Briere and Diane (husband, Ken) Johnson; Son, N. Gene Cowen Jr.; Grandchildren, Marcus, Alex, Emily and Caleb; Brother, Neil Cowen; and a host of extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Perfetti Funeral Home in Sorento with Rev. Jim Ferrill officiating. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.

Perfetti Funeral Home in Sorento is in charge of arrangements.