Edward M. Rowe

RACINE—Edward M. Rowe, 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 19, 2015.

Ed was born May 7, 1924 in Dallas City, Illinois, son of the late S. Guy and Nellie (Moyes) Rowe. Ed had one brother, Max (Maxine), who preceded him in death.

Ed graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 1946 and remained a lifelong, avid alumni. He and his wife, Barbara, established a scholarship fund for students at the University of Illinois. In 1996, he became a lifetime member of the University of Illinois President’s Council. He also was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He and his wife Barbara moved to Racine in 1966. Ed was the head of corporate purchasing for J. I. Case. He retired from there in 1986.

Ed married the former Barbara Godshall and the couple had one son, David (deceased). He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, of 51 years, three nieces: Melody Gunn, Susan Rowe, and Joyce Rowe, one nephew, Andrew Rowe (Rebecca) and five great nieces and nephews.

Ed was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Racine. He also was a 33rd Degree Mason. He was a lifelong member of the La Harpe, Illinois Chapter. He and Barbara enjoyed traveling after his retirement.

Services will be held Friday, October 23, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Racine starting with a visitation at 10am, the service at 11am, and a luncheon at noon. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in the name of Edward M. and David E. Rowe.