Brent James Bowgren, 52 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He was born May 21, 1973, in Valparaiso to Timothy and Christine (Lundie) Bowgren. Brent graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1991, and made his career with Strack and Van Til (formerly Costas Foods and WiseWay) from 1990-2017. He was an active member of Liberty Bible Church, where he helped found the Disability Ministry. Brent was also proud to be involved in Porter County Special Olympics throughout his life as a participant, mentor, and coach. He was an original charter member of the Athlete Leadership University with Special Olympics, where he taught classes and mentored other participants. He was honored to receive the Brent Bowgren Mentor Award through Special Olympics, which was named after him. Brent had an adventurous spirit, infectious smile, and fondness for helping others. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed every day.
Brent is survived by his mother, Christine (Richard) Hengst; father, Timothy (Lori) Bowgren; sister, Adoree (Peyton) Manns; stepbrother, Kyle Thomas; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Bowgren; uncle, Norm Bowgren; and his grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. The funeral service will begin on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with additional visitation at 9:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gabriel’s Home for the Elderly, 372 Franciscan Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46385, or Porter County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 1662, Valparaiso, IN 46384-1662.
GUESTBOOK
Brent will always be remembered as a Special Olympic Athlete. He and his brother Jeff were great bowlers. He was kind and a little crazy at times, but that just made him more lovable. He will be greatly missed by all our athletes and coaches. -Paula Myers
Very fond memories with you and your brother Jeff with bowling and your classic cars and car shows and going out to eat and much more. Go rest in Jesus arms and meet your brother Jeff again give him a big hug from me. Going to miss you BJ. -Amy jo Bowgren
My condolences to the family of Brent Bowgren. I worked with him at Wiseway/Stracks for 18 or 19 years. He was a really nice and hardworking guy. He will be missed! -Adam Wisdom
Brent was an extremely generous and loving person with the kindest heart. He will be remembered fondly by all that knew him. Especially his fellow VHS "91 classmates. Rest easy Brent. God bless you. -Tricia Toth
Brent was an amazing person and one of the most beloved team members at Costas Foods. I always enjoyed our spirited conversations and his joyful outlook on life. He was a real Valpo hero and one who will be deeply missed. Thanks, Brent, for making our city better by your kind words, encouraging spirit and strong work ethic. I look forward to seeing you again in the Father's Kingdom one day. -Jon Costas
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bowgren Family. Brent was a beautiful human with a kind and generous spirit, always expressing his concern for others and wanting to do the very best he could for his Special Olympic friends. My husband, Todd, coached basketball with Brent for many years and one year leading the Valparaiso Crusaders to a State Championship! Brent taught those boys more than just the game of basketball; lessons of self-care, nurturing friendships and prayer. He will most definitely be missed by all that knew him. We, as a family, (Todd, Fran, Kallie and Aly Fuller and Kyle Morgan) were so proud to know Brent and his kind spirit will live on in our hearts. -Todd and Fran Fuller and Family
The most vivid memory I carry of Brent is his unequaled smile, coupled with his kindness. We are all a little diminished without him. -David Lain
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and all of Brent’s friends! We worked together closely at Wiseway from 2007-2012 on the front end. He went to a Christmas party together also one year for work with my family. He would bring his Bible to work and read it on break, I thought that was really cool that he showed his faith like that daily. I will miss seeing him coming into shop at Stracks! I’ll see you on the other side my friend! You will be missed! -Marie Philpott
It was a pleasure working with you at Costas and Wiseway. You brightened the life of many people. You had a smile that never ended. Rest in peace, in the arm of Our Lord And Savior. My condolences to your family. I am thankful our paths crossed in life. You have left your mark on many lives. -Judy Kujawa
Brent, you will be missed and remembered. You always had a great attitude. I will miss our discussions in the locker room at the Y. RIP. -Jon Groth
I will miss Brent very much. He went to uptown cafe with me and we got to work together recording. He was a wonderful Christian guy I could seek advice from. I will miss the times we had at special Olympics. I am praying for his family. -Jordan Witkowski
