Jack Rowe died peacefully at Woodlands Village of Oconto on Sunday September 21, 2008 with his family at his side. He was 82 years old.
He was born in Milwaukee on November 24, 1925 to the late John C. and Evelyn (Schroeder) Rowe.
He graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee where he was a member cheerleading squad. After graduation, he very proudly served his country as a Sergeant and radio operator/mechanic gunner in the United States Army Air Corps from March 1944 until May 1946. While in military service he married Barbara L. Riley on September 28, 1945 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After his honorable discharge form the Army Air Corps, he attended the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. He spent most of his career as a salesman selling fine paper in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. In 1970, he purchased and operated the Old Hotel in Pelican Lake. For several years he was responsible for bringing wonderful entertainment to the North woods including The Samuel Dent Memorial Dixieland Band from Chicago. As a sad face clown, he loved to do magic tricks and performed shows in the area. Swallowing fire to the song, I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy was signature trick he learned from his long time friend, Skip Wagner.
His favorite past times included spending time with his family, playing poker with his sons, grandsons, and sons-in-law; camping, crossword puzzles, reading Louis L'Amour novels, and out side activities. He was a true patriot and avid Packer fan, even while residing in Illinois.
He was a member to Holy Family Catholic Church of Elcho, where he was a Communion server for Father Len Evers and Father Joe Bauschka. He also was a member of the Noetzelman Boodry American Legion Post 377 of Elcho.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Barbara Rowe and six children; Stephen Craig Rowe of E. Peoria, IL, Kathy (Bill) Collins Strongsville, Ohio, Pam (Larry) Parise Oconto, Jim (Paula) Rowe Mosinee, John (Sandy) Rowe Maricopa, Arizona, Carrie (Lance) Thiel Strongsville, Ohio, 16 grandchildren and one great grandson, a special cousin Judy (Nick) Huige Waukesha.
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered for his fun loving spirit, creative genius, and entrepreneurship. He loved God, his country, and his family. We love you more!

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Elcho with Rev. Roger Strebel, officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 am to 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Holy Family Cemetery, Elcho with the Elcho American Legion conducting military honors.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Online condolences at bradleyfh.com.

The Rowe family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Woodland Village of Oconto and Heartland Hospice

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