Elizabeth A (Bowen) Kalkman

Beth was born on August 14, 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska, the youngest child of John “Jay” and Ann Marie (Keenan) Bowen. She was born a happy child with a song on her lips and in her heart, which carried on throughout her life. She was proud to be a 3rd generation graduate of Mercy High School, Class of 1990 and was pleased that her niece and goddaughter Rachel followed as a 4th generation Mercy girl. Beth graduated from Metropolitan Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She married the love of her life, Chris Kalkman, on June 13, 1997 in Omaha, Nebraska. They enjoyed bowling, board games of all kinds as well as big, family gatherings over holidays. They doted on their nieces and nephews. As well, they were involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Cedar Rapids, IA for more than a decade. They had a special bond with their two “Littles”, Hope Yirkovsky and Dominic Cirese. One of their passions was cycling, especially in large biking events like RAGBRAI, the Owl Ride and The Bubbafest Bike Tour in the Florida Keys. Beth and Chris loved traveling. Disney World, Seattle, Portland, Monterey, CA, Alaska on a cruise and New York City were among their many adventures. In 2022, for their 25th wedding anniversary, they took their dream trip to Greece making memories for a lifetime. She worked for Marriott for 19 years to the day, among her positions she was a Senior Sales Coordinator and most recently an Account Manager. She had many friends from her time at Marriott, including her best friend, Holly Carlson. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed the companionship of their three dogs, Rogue, Claira and Wichtig. After recently being diagnosed with cancer, Beth passed away on October 24, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at Hospice House, The Josie Harper Residence in Omaha. She is survived by her devoted husband Chris Kalkman; mother Ann Marie (Keenan) Bowen; sister Bernadette "Bunnie" Bowen; brothers John T. (Michon) Bowen and Mike (Jenny VoorVart) Bowen. Cherished nephews and nieces Joe, Emily and Rachel Bowen, Steven Helwig, and Sophia, Michael and Gabriel Bowen, loving family and friends. Beth was preceded in death by her father John "Jay" W. Bowen, grandparents John C. and Dorothy (Morehouse) Bowen and Thomas and Marjorie (O’Leary) Keenan. Memorials donations may be directed to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids, IA (https://bigcr.org/) Honor/Memorial: Elizabeth A. (Bowen) Kalkman Scholarship.