Francis J. Rowe
May 23, 1926 - September 22, 2016
Obituary
MADISON – Francis J. Rowe, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. He was born on May 23, 1923, in Dodgeville, the son of Wesley and Dora (Ferrell) Rowe. He married Viola Sittig on Feb. 21, 1945, in Dodgeville. Francis and Viola farmed for 24 years in Highland, then moved to Madison, where Francis worked at Henry Vilas Zoo as a Zookeeper for 20 years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, road trips to the farm and dessert. Francis and Viola loved family gatherings and would find any excuse to get the family together. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for 52 years. Francis is survived by his daughters, Mary (Marvin) Cutrell and Mildred (David) Dahl; grandchildren, Tom (Julie) Cutrell, Dawn Cutrell, Barbara (Scott) Breneman and Mark (Tonya) Dahl; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Tierney and Teague Cutrell, Mitchell and Zachary Weber, Katie and Alex Breneman, Caitlyn Sosinsky and Brooklyn Dahl; sister-in-law, Kathy Rowe; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; parents; brothers, Kenneth (Shirley) Rowe, Glen (Jean) Rowe and Donald Rowe; and sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Lindeman. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the service on Monday. Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. A special thank you to the staff at Karmenta Center for their wonderful care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Sep 26, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Madison) • 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, WI 53714
Service
Mon Sep 26, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Madison) • 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, WI 53714
Photos
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Memories
WS
Wendy Schmitz
Other •
My condolences go out to the family, especially Millie and the Brenemans during this sad time. I have very much enjoyed getting to know Fran for the past 8 years and even called him "grandpa" myself. I will definitely miss his smile, laugh, and frequent napping. Rest in peace buddy. I'm sure your garden is beautiful in Heaven.
~Wendy Schmitz
MR
Mary Riggs
Other •
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Mr. & Mrs. Rowe were our next door neighbors on Charleen Lane for many years. He had the most beautiful flowers of anyone in the neighborhood. My fondest memory was of how well he cared for his wife during her ill health. A true loving husband. After we moved my mother & dad moved in next to him a few years later on the other side. He was always the first one to help mom out if she needed it after my dad passed. The world has lost a loving human being.
MARY & DAVID RIGGS