Harlow W. Rowley, age 73, of Wiota, WI, passed away peacefully with his nieces at his side on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at his home. He was born on June 26, 1940 to Raymond and Charlotte (Ostby) Rowley in Argyle Township, WI. Due to family hardship he was raised by Magnus and Emma (Rowley) Ostby as their son. Harlow remained in the Argyle and Wiota area all of his life. He lived in his childhood home until 1999, at which time he moved into Wiota to live with his sister, Frances Berget. After Fran's death he continued to live in that home with his niece and her husband, Ginny and Ray Johnson.
Harlow is survived by his loving sister: Verna Smith of Monore, WI; as well as his biological siblings: Kenneth (Shirley) Rowley of Monroe, Bernard Rowley of Mondovi, WI, Wesley Rowley of Eau Claire, WI, Ralph Rowley of Madison, WI, Hazel Hemling of Baraboo, WI, Alice Egli of Monroe, Avis Lueck of Monroe, and Mavis (Fred) Meier of Milwaukee, WI; a sister-in-law: Nora Ostby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Frances Berget and Rose Marie Rowley in infancy; his brothers: Homer Ostby, Bernell Rowley, Herbert Rowley, and Lester Rowley in infancy; and brothers-in-law: Vernon Berget and Glenn "Butch" Smith.
Harlow mowed several lawns and worked for Hawley Stockyards in his younger years. In 1978, he began working at Greenco Industries. He was semi-retired at the time of his death. Harlow enjoyed riding his bicycles, especially his 2011 Schwinn Cruiser that he called his "Cadillac." He also enjoyed going to the Darlington races, vintage cars, and listening to country western music. Family meant the most to Harlow, and even though he did not often have contact with his biological family, he maintained a deep love for them and spoke of them often, especially his sisters, Avis and Alice, and his brothers, Kenny and Bernard. Harlow had an amazing memory for family birthdays, anniversaries, and family events. His knowledge of vintage cars, family stories, and his sense of humor will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Erickson Funeral Home, 801 East Milwaukee Street in Argyle with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman of Apple Grove Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. Burial will be held in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington, WI. A visitation will be held Friday, March 28, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Harlow's name.
Harlow is survived by his loving sister: Verna Smith of Monore, WI; as well as his biological siblings: Kenneth (Shirley) Rowley of Monroe, Bernard Rowley of Mondovi, WI, Wesley Rowley of Eau Claire, WI, Ralph Rowley of Madison, WI, Hazel Hemling of Baraboo, WI, Alice Egli of Monroe, Avis Lueck of Monroe, and Mavis (Fred) Meier of Milwaukee, WI; a sister-in-law: Nora Ostby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Frances Berget and Rose Marie Rowley in infancy; his brothers: Homer Ostby, Bernell Rowley, Herbert Rowley, and Lester Rowley in infancy; and brothers-in-law: Vernon Berget and Glenn "Butch" Smith.
Harlow mowed several lawns and worked for Hawley Stockyards in his younger years. In 1978, he began working at Greenco Industries. He was semi-retired at the time of his death. Harlow enjoyed riding his bicycles, especially his 2011 Schwinn Cruiser that he called his "Cadillac." He also enjoyed going to the Darlington races, vintage cars, and listening to country western music. Family meant the most to Harlow, and even though he did not often have contact with his biological family, he maintained a deep love for them and spoke of them often, especially his sisters, Avis and Alice, and his brothers, Kenny and Bernard. Harlow had an amazing memory for family birthdays, anniversaries, and family events. His knowledge of vintage cars, family stories, and his sense of humor will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Erickson Funeral Home, 801 East Milwaukee Street in Argyle with Rev. Daniel L. Bohlman of Apple Grove Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. Burial will be held in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington, WI. A visitation will be held Friday, March 28, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Harlow's name.