Daniel John Rowe, age 67 of Baldwin, Wisconsin died peacefully Friday march 17, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born to Clifford and Gertrude Rowe, Lansing Michigan on July 31, 1949. He grew up in Eaton Rapids MI and moved to East Lansing MI where he graduated from high school in 1969.
He attended Western Michigan University majoring in Communications. He would later go on to work in radio for high school and at the University level and even some TV while in Tulsa OK. His radio career took him to Charlotte MI, Ionia MI, Rolla MO, Benton Harbor MI, Spartanburg SC, Tulsa OK, before ending up in NFL with work with MN Vikings. He would work 10 years with Vikings and 2 years with San Diego Chargers before retiring from the NFL broadcast work. The great love of his radio work would take him back while in retirement to work games with KDWB/Hastings MN and KLLB/Stillwater MN.
He loved to laugh, spend times with his family, golf and especially fish. Playing with his grandchildren would give him so much joy as well. The later months we had many discussions about if he could fish in heaven. His family thinks so. He was also a Christian with a deep faith. Many classified him as a prayer warrior as he used that spiritual gift to bless many people over his lifetime with prayers. It was not enough to merely say a quick prayer but those who were around him knew he would spend hours doing so. He also was active at Peace Lutheran Baldwin in Bible study, lectoring, serving on the Staff Support committee and even helping to lead worship services when Pastor John was out of town.
His faith was important during his broadcasting years as well. He used your everyday average interview to bring out the person’s faith as well every chance he could get. During his months of struggles with ALS, he remained a positive person fighting as hard as he could to counteract the devastation of the horrible disease. He knew he was dying as the disease is always terminal. He shared only a few weeks ago that he wished that upon his death memorials would go to His Arms Kenya Orphan Project (see www.hisarmskenya.org) that he and his wife helped start in 2007. He cared deeply for the hurting in Western Kenya especially his “adopted” daughter Anastacia. Memorials can be given to Peace Lutheran for His Arms should you wish in lieu of flowers.
His family also plans to take part in the future fundraisers to help those dealing with ALS. The family found the help of HCMC ALS Clinic especially helpful and that of ALS/MN Chapter.
Survived by wife of 42 years, Nancy; Children Luke (Renee) of Prescott, WI, Rebecca Kovanda of Edina MN, and Matthew of Logan IA.; Grandchildren, Tyler Mueller; Kylie, Brenna, Delana, Tarick & Ava Rowe, Brayden and Colin Kovanda two great grandchildren; Brother James (Jean) Rowe of Palm Harbor, FL Sister, Louise Brown of San Antonio TX. ; siblings-in-law June & Gary Hansen of Lansing MI, Rich & Wendy Kessler of Montague MI, Diane Babcock of Montague MI and Claude Babcock of Montague MI; and “adopted” brother Brian Koon of Lansing Michigan. Many nieces, nephews and relatives also survive him as well his church family Peace Lutheran in Baldwin WI.
Funeral service for Dan Rowe will be 11AM Monday March 20th, at Peace Lutheran Church of Baldwin with Pastor John Hanson officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 to 7PM Sun, March 19, also at Peace Lutheran. Burial will be in the church cemetery with active casketbearers being Dave Kundy, Lee Hanson, Jim Hauschild, Paul Ramberg, Jeff Shulke, Rich Carlson, Rich Cronk, Ken Rimer, with honorary casketbearers being his grandchildren. Memorials preferred to His Arms Kenya Orphan Project c/o Peace Lutheran Church. Funeral service are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.