Donald S. Rowe

Donald Sidney Rowe peacefully passed into the arms of Our Lord on the evening of March 16, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  He was born June 7, 1933 in Fillmore to Cora Gladys (Nelson) and Harvey AP Rowe.  After graduation from Spring Valley High School in 1951, Donald, known to everyone as Donnie, joined the Army with several friends as a group. Donnie served in the Far East for most of his military service including tours in Japan and two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged in 1966.

He returned to Spring Valley and worked at Ferickson’s Mobil station and later at the location in Kasson as a mechanic.  He then worked in Rochester at Yellow Cab as a mechanic and worked several years for Rochester Armored Car as an armed guard.  Donnie was wounded while thwarting a robbery attempt at a Target location in Rochester. He had the presence of mind to toss the bag of money over the counter, keeping it out of the hands of the attackers who shot him.  Health problems related to this incident convinced Donnie to retire and enjoy life. 

Donnie and his sister Donna - his very best friend in the whole world - spent most of their free time traveling.  They travelled locally to the many festivals and events in Minnesota and northern Iowa.  They travelled to the homes of their many, widely dispersed friends in Florida, Pennsylvania and throughout the Midwest.  They visited their brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.  Donnie loved to talk and he even loved to listen sometimes. He was, like many of his generation, an engaging conversationist.

For the past few years, both Donnie and Donna have resided at Spring Valley Senior Living where the excellent care and community has helped him stay healthy and happy. He enjoyed really challenging puzzles both as an activity and a conversation starter.

Donnie is survived by his sister, Donna, his brother Roger (wife Peggy) Rowe of Blaine, MN, nephews: Peter (wife Amy) Rowe of New Brighton, MN; John (wife Sara) Rowe and their children Ben, Sam and Amelia of Park Rapids, MN; Edward and (wife Erin) Rowe and their three children Kelsey, Dylan and Isabel of Ramsey, MN; Jimmy Rowe of Coon Rapids, MN.  He is also survived by his brother Orvin (Oree) (wife Janice) Rowe of Austin, MN, nieces Amanda Rowe (boyfriend Tito Castro) and her children Casey, Cody and Aryannah of Rochester, MN; April Rowe and her son Jaxson of Austin, MN. Donnie is also survived by his nephew Steven Marv Heffern (wife PF Allen) of Creston, IA.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Cora and Harvey, his brother, Harvey Jr., his sister and brother-in-law Carol Marie and Marvin Heffern, sister and brother-in-law Marian E. and Daryl Haack, and niece Margaret Rowe.

A funeral service will be held at Hindt Funeral Home, Spring Valley at 11AM on Friday, March 23 the reverend Mark VanHouse officiating.   Interment will be at Spring Valley Cemetery immediately after the service.  Friends may call at the funeral home one hour before the service.

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