Hugh William Chowen

Hugh William Chowen was surrounded by family when he passed away unexpectedly at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital after a brief illness January 25, 2023.

Hugh was born July 1, 1937, in Onaway to Alice (Dunham) and Daniel Wesley Cecil Chowen and graduated from Onaway High School in 1955. He lived his entire life in Onaway, working at Presque Isle Electric for 35 years until his retirement. On July 6, 1957 he married Arlette King and they were blessed with 65 years of marriage; five children, Steve (LeaAnne) Chowen, Julie (Jesús Argente) Chowen, Yvonne (Tim) Patterson, Matthew “Matt” (Tanya) Chowen and Jennifer (Shon) Chowen Plowman; 11 grandchildren, Ashlee (Jordan) Cowles, Haylee Chowen, Mollee (Zach) Fishaw, Jacob (Lydia) Patterson, Joe (Aimee) Patterson, Jeff Patterson, Jared Chowen, Hollee (Arrick) Rodgers, Kaelee (Lee) Hawkins, Akron Plowman and Kade Plowman; and 14 great-grandchildren, Sophia, James, Charlotte, Luke, Ben, Declan, Morgan, Arwen, Reilly, Isla, Jack, Oliver, Archer and Chance. 

Hugh loved having a “cold one” and chatting with family and friends. He was an avid sports’ fan, especially of the Lions and University of Michigan and when he was not happy with his teams, which was often, he clearly let everyone within earshot know it. Hugh was happiest when he could be out-of-doors, whether it be at a cookout at “the farm” with family and friends or doing one of his favorite activities that included hunting, searching for morels and gardening. Indeed his vacations, and thus those of the family, centered around these favorite pastimes, as well as camping and fishing (as long as it was no further from home than Kleber pond!). 

By these means he instilled a love for nature in all of his family, “and we thank you for that Dad.” His vegetable garden was always his biggest summer project. Every year he planted way too much, “as you never know,” and every year he started by saying the garden was not doing well, we need rain, nothing is coming up, etc. Almost infallibly there was finally an overabundance that could not be eaten, canned or even given away rapidly enough. He enjoyed giving away his produce as much as eating it, making entire meals of only his garden veggies. He also loved showing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren his garden, teaching them about the different plants and having them help pick potato bugs. Hugh even enjoyed cooking. He would make Sunday brunch for the family and, no matter what time they got home the night before, when brunch was ready it was “everybody up and at it.” After retirement, he frequently cooked his favorite meals and baked sweets to satisfy his growing sweet tooth. He made the best cookies and even baked to give them away.

 Hugh was not always expressive with his feelings, but that changed considerably when his son Matt was sent to the Gulf War, one of his most trying times. He was so proud of the service that both of his sons paid to our country.  Although his offspring moved and lived/live around the U.S. and Europe, Hugh did not enjoy traveling. Wandering too far from home was not on his list of things to do, but he definitely looked forward to their visits, which were never frequent enough. However, he did surprise everyone one year and flew to Washington for the wedding of one of his grandsons,

only to state afterwards that he had tried it and once was enough. That was Hugh and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, Rhoda Ross; a sister-in-law, Darlene (Dick) Nuss; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard “Dick”; an infant brother, Allan; brothers-in-law, Paul Ross, John “Jack” King and Victor King; sisters-in-law, Judy Decker, Sharon Williams and Carla King; and his special aunt, Hattie Parr. 

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate and toast Hugh’s life.