Obituary of Robert E. Rowe

Robert E. Rowe, 99, of Melrose Meadows Assisted Living, Iowa City passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2005, surrounded by his family. Graveside military services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2005, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tiffin, Iowa, the Reverend David Belgum officiating. On-line condolences may be sent for Robert’s family www.gayandciha.com Robert was born April 14, 1906, in Johnson County to Robert Cousin Rowe and Huldah (Clarke) Rowe. On September 22, 1928, he married Velda Runyon in Keokuk, Iowa. They had five children: Robert Dean and wife, Elsie Rowe, of Davenport; Clara LaVerna (deceased at six months); twins LaVelda and husband, Art Richmond, LaVona and husband, Alwin Richmond, both of North English; Helen and husband, Dale Heck of Iowa City. There are five grandchildren: Pam and husband Marty Jones of Iowa City; Dave Heck and wife Suzy of Iowa City; Debra and husband Tim Simpson of Phoenix, AZ; Duane Rowe and wife Cindy of Lakewood, CO; and Steve Rowe of Lakewood, CO. Six great-grandchildren: Chris Jones, D.J. and Gage Heck of Iowa City; Nikki, Cutler, and Braxton Simpson of Phoenix, AZ. Robert and Velda were married 64 years until her death. He then married Laura (Willey) in Gramby, MO on November 23, 1992, who survives. He was a member of the 113th National Guard Cavalry Division and served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He was a deputy Sheriff of Johnson County. Later he was a painter and decorator and was head of the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Traders. Robert loved the outdoors. He hunted and fished, mowed his own yard, and put in a garden at his home at 2104 Hollywood Blvd. until he moved to Melrose Meadows two year ago. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was preceded in death by his first wife Velda, infant daughter, his son-in-law Art Richmond, two brothers Aaron Rowe of Tiffin, Iowa, Walter of Panama City, Florida, and a sister Clara Madsen of Ottawa, Illinois. Gay &Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Robert’s family and his services.