Gary Wayne Rowen

Gary Wayne Rowen, 74, Green Bay passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was welcomed into Heaven by his loving family and friends that had gone before him. Gary was born on November 17, 1948, in Berlin to Bernard and Elaine (Pick) Rowen and raised in a family with four wonderful siblings.

 

He was a 1967 graduate of Berlin High School. On November 27, 1971, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Jean Schmidt, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Gillett, WI. In 2021 they celebrated 50 years of marriage, surrounded by their friends and family up at their summertime haven, Captain’s Cove (formerly Silver Spur), in Gresham.

 

The greatest blessing of Gary and Cindy’s union was undoubtedly their three sons, Curt, Chad, and Craig Rowen. As the children grew up on the east side of Green Bay, they also spent time with family in Berlin WI, and with friends at the campground in Gresham. Gary was employed primarily with Schreiber Foods and likely his favorite engagement with work was being the captain of their softball team. 

 

Gary was an exceptional multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, track & field, and wrestling in High School. And of course, Gary was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. Gary enlisted in the Army in 1968 serving until 1971 and spent time in Korea. He was proud to serve his country. A true outdoorsman, Gary loved deer camp and hunting season. He never passed up an opportunity to fish with his friends or miss the “Wednesday hamburger special” with Clancy and the guys. Although Gary was not a prolific chef in the kitchen, he did make a mean booyah and a wonderful potato soup. We are certain he is playing cards with his brothers in Heaven right now. 

 

Gary was incredibly proud of his sons, and grew to richly appreciate the joys that family, and grandchildren would bring to his life. His grandsons will always know that grandpa will be their guardian angel. Our family will continue to celebrate and remember Gary’s memory forevermore with each pot of potato soup we make and share together every Christmas. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives were touched by him.

 

Gary is survived and will be missed by his loving wife, Cindy; sons, Curt Rowen, Chad (Kathryn) Rowen and their son, Calvin, Craig (Melissa Bazan) Rowen and their son, Miles; sisters, Gloria Grahn, Sue (Joe) Formiller; aunts, Irene Chase, Carol Pick; numerous beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Elaine Rowen; brothers, Tommy (Karen) Rowen, Dennis Rowen; brother-in-law, Larry Grahn; father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Catherine Schmidt; several uncles, aunts and cousins.

 

A visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church - Auroraville, N2502 State Rd. 49, Berlin, WI. A burial of ashes will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, Auroraville.

A celebration of life will follow at the Berlin Bowling Alley.