Long time Chelsea residents will recognize this friendly smile of Dave Rowe. His family is sad to announce he passed away on November 5th following a courageous battle with coronary artery disease.
David Rowe was born in Ann Arbor to Duane and Virginia Burg Rowe of Chelsea on August 27, 1942. His great-great-grandparents were early settlers in what became Waterloo, Sylvan and Lyndon townships before Michigan became a state. He and his two sisters and brother grew up on the family farm on Bush Road learning the value of hard work from their parents and grandparents, a trait that defined him for the rest of his life. He was a man who truly loved all things farming from watching RFD-TV every night to his special fondness for John Deere tractors.
Dave graduated from Chelsea High School as president of his senior class of 1960 and under his guidance the class celebrated their reunion every five years. He was co-captain of the powerful CHS football team winning the conference title in 1959. Also, that year he managed his grandfather Burg’s Dairy Queen located where the Chelsea State Bank now stands.
Dave met his classmate Joanne Brown when he graduated 8th grade from St. Mary school and transferred to Chelsea High in 9th grade. They started dating following graduation and married on July 15, 1961. They became the parents of four sons Dan, John, Darin and Patrick.
Dave channeled his drive and work ethic into a 42-year career with Farm Bureau Insurance Chelsea, starting as their youngest Agent at that time. Continuing his education was very important to Dave and he received his CPCU insurance designation, a coveted degree in the property casualty insurance industry and he was responsible to his fellow agents acting on their behalf as President of the agent’s association. His relationship with his clients went far beyond business, he cared for them like family.
Beyond his business Dave served as President of the Chelsea Fair in the early 60’s. He served on the Chelsea Village council in the 70’s. He supported youth athletics, coaching his sons Little League baseball team and was active with the Cub Scouts, served as the voice to announce JV football games and proudly enjoyed watching his sons’ sporting events. An avid horseman, he also announced horse shows at the Fairgrounds.
Dave was appointed as a layperson to the southeastern Vicariate council under the guidance of Archbishop Cardinal Dearden in the 70’s. He sat on the board of directors as treasurer of the Waterloo Natural History Association in Chelsea for over 30 years. He was an active participant in the Chelsea Jaycees in the 60’s and 70’s holding the office of President.
First born son Dan passed away on June 18, 2022, he is survived by his son Dan (Tori) and grandson Jack. Dans widow Sara. His stepchildren Sarah, Jason, Chris, Jennifer, Colten, Devon, Sean and families.
Second son John has two children. Daughter Angie (Chad) Shultis and their children Waylon and Allison. Johns’ son Mitchell (Giada) Rowe and their children Lila, Elizabeth and Alexander.
Third son Darin (Gretchen) and their children, David (Tracey) and their two sons Will and Michael Rowe. Son Shawn Rowe and Son Dylan (Matti) and children Vera and Abram Rowe. Daughter Emily (Omar) Lopez and two sons Alexander and Gabriel, daughter Candyce, daughter Daisey and grandchildren Nicalee and Serenity.
Fourth Son Pat (Thaya) their children Wyatt (Corrine) and Willow (Jon Gregory) Rowe.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Joanne, sister Lowene and husband Jeff Hughes, brother-in-law Bob Brown and sister-in-law Dianne (Chris) Scharrer, adoring nephews and nieces and many Rowe and Burg cousins.
He was preceded by son Dan, his sister Jeannene and husband Ron Lorenzen, brother Doug and wife Shirley Blough Rowe, his brother-in-law Howard Brown, his sister-in-law Mindy Brown, and his parents Duane and Virginia.
After retirement Dave and Joanne moved from their home of 40 years in Waterloo to their log home where he enjoyed the solitude of the north branch of the Manistee River and referred to it as heaven on earth. Dave always enjoyed being with family, golfing and relaxing with his friends and family. He was devoted to his business and clients. He became a regular diner and friends of the staff and owners at Yankee Boy restaurant in S. Boardman MI and G’s in Kalkaska. He never met a stranger.
He was benevolent and giving to his family and community. As his sons would say, "My Dad’s shoes, no one else can fill them." Dave bravely fought Diabetes, Heart failure and Pulmonary Hypertension and greeted each day with a smile. He received excellent care with Munson Health in Kalkaska and Traverse City.
Dave’s family takes pride in the husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother that he was. They will forever miss his warmth, his presence and his commitment to leading by example. He would urge you to donate to the charity of your choice in his memory.
Dave’s service will be held at The Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea Saturday November 21 with visitation starting at noon and service at one.
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