Robert (Bob) Rowan, age 88, passed away on Saturday, June 19, at Wissota Health in Chippewa Falls following a long illness. He was born on June 7, 1922 in Akron, Ohio, to John and Helen Rowan.
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Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years,
Claribel, in 2004. They met as students at the University of Ohio and lived in New York City, near Cleveland, and near Chicago, before settling in Eau Claire in 1981.
Bob worked as an industrialist for 35 years before a second career in teaching at the UWEC Business School during 1981-1988. He greatly admired the UWEC and the many students he taught and who taught him, and he enjoyed having the free-time during the summers, much of which he spent at a second home near Cable, WI. He served for six years on the Boards of the UWEC Foundation and the Eau Claire Industrial Development Corporation, and for one year (1987-1988) on the Eau Claire County Board. He spent his final retirement years at woodworking, consulting to local businesses, studying American history, and guest-lecturing at the
UWEC. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire and the Kiwanis Club of Eau Claire. |
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Bob served in World War II as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, as Navigator and Pilot. His active duty included flying supply missions over the Himalayas between India and China. His war-time experiences made him appreciate pacifist ideologies.
Bob is survived by his son, Rob, a marine biologist now working in Guam. One brother, one sister, and his parents are deceased.
Funeral service will be at First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire on Wednesday, June 23, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Eric Nielsen presiding. Friends are invited to an informal gathering at the Church, following the service. Burial will be private.
Bob desired that any memorials be made to the UWEC Foundation or to the First Presbyterian Church of Eau Claire Memorial Fund.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Friends may offer online condolences at
www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
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