Eugene “Gene” George Rowekamp
Monday, April 12, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Age:
92 years old
Monday, April 12, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Age:
92 years old
Monday, April 12, 1926
Date of Death:
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Age:
92 years old
Eugene “Gene” George Rowekamp
Eugene “Gene” George Rowekamp, 92, of Rochester, passed away peacefully in Bloomington, MN on November 3rd, 2018.
Gene was born on April 12, 1926 to George and Christine (Botzet) Rowekamp in Witoka, MN. He grew up on the family farm, attended Winona county schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944.
Gene was married on May 26, 1951 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba to Dorothy Mollert. The couple lived in Rochester where they raised six children and made their home for many years. Gene was a member of the Rochester Police Department for 23 years and founded Rowekamp Tax Service which he owned & operated for more than two decades. Gene and Dorothy were founding members of St. Pius X Catholic Church and often volunteered there. They were also foster parents for Catholic Charities. Gene was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Rochester Golden Kiwanis, and was a volunteer for many causes. His wife, Dorothy passed away on November 08, 1994 from complications of early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
He was married on July 6, 1996 in Rochester to Marion Glover and they made their home in Rochester until Marion’s passing on March 6, 2014.
Gene cherished his time spent with family & friends, volunteering, woodworking, researching family genealogy, and traveling.
Gene is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (married 43 years), 2nd wife, Marion (married 18 years), and daughter-in-law, Jody (Edwards) Rowekamp.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Terese) of Bloomington, Greg (Cheri) of Rochester, Paul (Kim) of Roseville, Dave (Linda) of Eden Prairie, Kim (Jim) Seitz of Eagan, and Kevin (Julie) of Bloomington; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by step-daughters, Nancy (Don) Hansen of Long Prairie, Susan Runkle of Stewartville and Vicki (Kevin) Noetzelman of Delano; numerous step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Gene’s family is requesting memorials to St. Pius X Church www.piusx.org, Lourdes High School www.rcsmn.org/LHS, or the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 9, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Rev. Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Eugene “Gene” George Rowekamp has received the following condolences.
TO THE FAMILY OF GENE'
AS WELL AS BEING PART OF THE FAMILY, I FEEL WE HAVE BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS FOR SO MANY YEARS, FIRSTLY DOROTHY BEING FIRST COUSIN OF ART, AND THEN WITH MARIAN IN LATER YEARS. WE HAVE SHARED SEVERAL TRIPS, VACATI0NS AND BUS TRAVELS AS WELL AS GENE AND ART WERE CO-WORKERS FOR MANY YEARS. I TOO SHARED THE INCOME TAX WORLD FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS WITH GENE. GENE WAS SURELY AN EXEMPLARY MAN AND PERSON AND I AM SURE YOU ALL KNOW WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON HE WAS. TO EACH OF YOU CHILDREN, MY LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU ALSO AS YOU WILL SURELY MISS HIM FOR SOME YEARS TO COME
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER,
HELEN MUELLER
Sorry to hear about Gene’s death. His large, loving family is a testament to what a great father he was. We hope you take comfort in your lifetimes of memories with him.
To the Rowekamp Family,
I am sorry to hear about Gene but I also know how much he loved his life and family and was a man of faith. I wish I could be with you on Friday. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fr. Michael Cronin
Janesville, Minnesota
I thought I would share a memory of my Uncle Gene as a tribute to the wonderful man he was. I have so many fond memories of my Uncle Gene. He and my dad (Elmer) were so close and always had fun when they were together. It usually involved some sort of practical joke. I still remember when I was five and Uncle Gene was in his policeman's uniform. I asked him what was in the case on his belt. He took out his handcuffs and promptly handcuffed me to a parking meter in downtown Rochester. Everyone, including Uncle Gene, just kept walking leaving me behind. I was upset at the time, but now it is one of my fondest memories. I will truly miss him. He looked and acted so much like my dad. When I was around him I felt like I still had a connection to my dad. I am sure they are together now plotting their next practical joke. I miss them both........
Mike, Greg, Paul, David, Kim and Kevin. I am so sorry for your loss. I am unable to attend the funeral. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Vickie
Our sympathy's on the loss of your father, grandfather, great grandfather. We can only imagine what a wonderful man he must have been based on the man Mike is. Prayers for your families at this time.
Just sending our thoughts and prayers your way on the loss of your father & grandpa. He will be remembered for his love & kindness for all.
Our heartfelt condolences for your families.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your loved one. Even though we didn't know him, we know his family through Holy Spirit Church. Our prayers go out to your whole family.
In Christ
Dave and Karen Kulzer
I worked with Gene for many years on the Rochester Police Dept. We are going to be out of town so will miss the funeral and feel really bad about that! Gene was really one of the good guys in life. To his family you are blessed to have had him for these years and I to have know him. Gods blessing to all of you!
Mike and Jan Seidel
My condolences to you all, in the passing of Gene, but indeed this is a celebration of the life of a man who, made a difference. A highlight of my life has been to be involved with the Rowekamp family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Friday. Jim
Dear Rowekamp family,
The world seems like a complicated place at times. But, there are people and families who change our world with their kindness and grace. Your Dad was one of those people. He radiated kindness and it is a rare gem to say the entire Rowekamp family does as well. You are full of wonderful, giving people. I did not know your Dad all that well, but in knowing and loving Paul and Nathaniel as my family, it is easy to see the kind spirit of Gene was passed right on down the line. It is a joy to know all of your family and I wish you peace and love. I pray for your healing and God’s love to embrace Gene, Heaven now has one of the best!
I am sorry to miss the service, I have travel plans with my children. Wishing you all the best, Sarah Mason & family (Tom, Max, & Ben).
Dear Rowekamp family,
I am so sorry for our loss of Gene, one of the kindest people I have ever known. When I think of your home when we were young, I think of driving by on 14th St. and seeing Gene raise a hand with a big genuine smile, Dorothy quietly baking bread and smiling as she observed us talking and playing together, and Gene’s laugh and sincere interest in our well-being.
He was so proud of all of you I am very grateful to have known him for so many years. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your wonderful father, grandfather...