Anita Jean Rowe

OREGON-Anita Jean Rowe, age 85, of Oregon passed away peacefully, on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Woodlands Senior Park, in Fond du Lac. She was born at home on Sept. 5, 1929, in Loganville, to Arthur and Estella (Neumann) Michael. Anita graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1947, and attended UW-Whitewater. She was employed as a medical secretary at the Wisconsin State Hygiene Lab prior to marrying George Rowe. Anita and George were married on Oct. 6, 1962 in Madison. Together they farmed for forty years in Oregon and Paoli. Anita was affectionately called the "fruit cake lady" as she was internationally known for her delicious fruit cakes. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Anita is survived by her daughter, Mary (Dave) Rowe-Schmitz of Fond du Lac; and her son, Steven (Kimberly) Rowe of Columbus; four grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Rowe and Anthony and Aaron Schmitz; cousins, Owen (Sharon) Schwerdtfeger, Gene (Judy) Schwerdtfeger, Ronald (Susan) Schwerdtfeger and Marian Gade; sisters-in-law, Emily (Roger) Krueger, Arlene Rowe and Betty Rowe; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Anita was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, James in 1992; cousin Kenneth Gade; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Lena Rowe, Stanley and Eileen Schneider, Donald Rowe, Arthur Rowe, Jerry Rowe, Arnold and Waunetta Pollow; and nephew, Bruce Krueger. A Celebration of Anita's life will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 625 East Netherwood St., Oregon at 11:00am on Thursday, July 30, 2015, with Pastor Paul Markquart presiding. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will be held at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30am until the time of service on Thursday. Anita has requested those attending to wear something red, as it was her favorite color. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oregon Area EMS, 131 Springs St., Oregon, WI 53575, St. John's Lutheran Church, 625 East Netherwood St., Oregon, WI 53575, or Agnesian Hospice Hope, 239 Trowbridge Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Anita and her family would like to extend special thank you to Dr. Douglas Smith and the staff at the Verona Clinic and their St. Mary's Hospital Team and staff, all the staff at Woodlands Senior Park, Agnesian Hospice Hope, Pastor Paul Markquart and the Right Reverend Sherrie Albrecht and all our wonderful family and friends who have showered us with their love and support thru this journey. God bless all of you! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street