of Chelsea, a
ge 94, died Sunday, November 1, 2015 at Ganton’s Countryside Care Center. He was born January 6, 1921 in Lyndon Township, Michigan, the son of Floyd D. & Selma M. Rowe.Duane spent his working life as a farmer, well driller, and Master Plumber. He had a study group for the Masters exam at his kitchen table in 1959 with two other local plumbers, Mr. Herman and Mr. Robert Shears. Duane was a past Grand Knight of the Chelsea Knights of Columbus Council 3092.
He was a charter member and served as the first full term Grand Knight after it was started in 1947. In 1966, Duane was appointed by Governor George Romney to the Michigan Water Resource Commission, Huron Basin, Michigan Department of Public Health. In 1969-70, Duane and Virginia were co-chairs of the Michigan Well Drillers Association annual convention in Lansing and Grand Rapids. Duane and his father, Floyd, operated Rowe Plumbing, Heating and Well Drilling until Floyd's death and Duane's retirement in 1981. He spent his later years suffering from Lewy Body Dementia under the loving care of Ganton's Countryside Care Center, Jackson, MI.
He married Virginia R. Burg on April 14, 1941 at St. Mary Catholic Church, and she preceded him in death on January 7, 2015. Survivors include his sons, David (Joanne) Rowe, Douglas (Shirley) Rowe; his daughter, Lowene (Jeff) Hughes; son-in-law Ronald Lorenzen; all of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren, Daniel, John, Darin, Patrick, Kurt, Kelly, Rodney, Dwana; 23 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jeannene Lorenzen, and a sister, Madelyn Bury.
A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, November 21, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the Very Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. The family received friends from 10-11 a.m. before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Louis Center, Chelsea. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Please sign Duane's online guestbook and leave a message or memory for his family.