Peter Daniel Cowen

Peter Daniel Cowen, 72, of Belvidere, IL, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025. He was born October 29, 1952, in Berwyn, Illinois, the son of Theodore and Loretta (Gould) Cowen, Jr. He married the love of his life, Christine Elliott, on April 8, 2004, in Belvidere, IL.

  Peter grew up in a family that loved words, books, and puzzles. He groaned at and tried to match his father’s puns. He was an avid reader who wrote poetry and loved Shakespeare. After graduating from Belvidere High School in 1970, he attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in English Literature. His artistic talent resulted in the painting of a smiling moon on a small barn along Route 20. He included his initials, but otherwise kept the project a secret until he was interviewed for a story in the BDR 15 years later.

  He was an animal lover who enjoyed chess and spicy food. His companion cats Pip and Perry entertained and comforted him during his last years. He is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Chris; mother, Laurie Cowen; siblings, Ted Cowen III, Marsha Hosfeld, Tony (Julie) Cowen, Martin (Traci) Cowen; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; cats, Pip and Perry. He was preceded in death by his father, Ted; brother, Larry Cowen; brother-in-law, Roger Hosfeld; sister-in-law, Lynn Cowen; and nephew, Drew Cowen.

  There will be a visitation Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A celebration of life will begin at 12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Boone County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.