The Reverend Doctor William (Bill) A. Rowen, Jr. died peacefully October 25, 2024, at his home in Spring Valley under the care of Heartland Hospice and his loving family.
Bill was a graduate of Chosen Valley High School (Chatfield), Macalester College (St. Paul), Garrett Theological Seminary (Evanston), and Trinity Theological Seminary (Newburgh) where he earned his Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) degree.
Upon graduation from high school, Bill received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Hearing God’s call to ministry, Bill returned to Minnesota, serving six years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, culminating in his Honorable Discharge in 1969.
Bill married Claire (Schmidt), his wife of 57-plus years, on June 17, 1967. Together they were blessed with one son, Christopher Rowen (Suzette) of Rochester, Minn. Bill was the very proud grandfather of their only granddaughter Emma Rowen.
Bill is also mourned by his sister and brother-in-law Patty and Steve Goldsmith (Chatfield), two nephews and their families; Rob (Katie) Goldsmith and grand-nieces Evelyn, Julia, Sophia, and Adelia (Chatfield), Benjamin (Jen) Goldsmith and grand-nephew Gunnar (Long Prairie and Ironton), and numerous beloved cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and parents-in-law.
Bill served as a United Methodist minister for 41 years, taking early retirement in 2009. Communities where Bill faithfully served congregations included; Fairmont/Granada, Alden, Moose Lake/Barnum, Brainerd, Farmington, Alexandria, and most recently Faith Church in Spring Valley.
Bill enjoyed sports, coaching, and any and all activities in which his granddaughter Emma engaged. He was also a model-railroader, voracious reader, and a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley.
Bill’s entire life was dedicated to his family and his call to ministry. In the last days Bill impacted the entire care team in the stroke rehabilitation unit on Generose fourth floor of the Mayo Clinic.
To all caregivers at all Mayo Rochester campuses and to Heartland Hospice, the entire family gives grateful thanks for caring and compassionate care. Grateful thanks are also extended to the Spring Valley and Stewartville communities for loving support.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Stewartville United Methodist Church with Reverend Laura Nordstrom and Reverend Mark Woodward officiating. Private burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Stewartville United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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