Robert Thomas "Bob" McGowan, age 73 of Blanchardville died on Sunday morning, January 30, 2011 at the UW Hospital in Madison after a brief battle with Leukemia. He was born on February 26, 1937 in Lafayette County, Argyle Township, Wisconsin to Harty & Jane (Meylor) McGowan. Bob grew up in rural Blanchardville and attended the Farmer's School, and then graduated from the Blanchardville High School in 1955. He farmed with his parents. Bob was married on December 1, 1956 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville to Eloise Kolden. They farmed together in Blanchard Township until 1975 when they purchased and operated the Hitching Post Tavern in Blanchardville, which they operated until 1982. Bob then went to work for the Lafayette County Highway Department as a patrolman, retiring in the spring of 2000. After retiring, he drove school bus for the Pecatonica School District until his illness. Bob was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Hollandale. He was a founding member of the Blackhawk Saddle Club. Bob was well known for his horses, loving John Deere and his full-blooded Irish heritage. He was devoted to and loved his family, including his wife, children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eloise McGowan of Blanchardville; seven children, Christine (Tom) Zeal of New Glarus, Joanne (Dennis) Erb of Argyle, Jeffrey (Liz) McGowan of Blanchardville, Robert (Virginia) McGowan of Blanchardville, Barbara (Scott) Cassidy of Blanchardville, Larry (Carol) McGowan of Monticello, and Rolly (Patty) McGowan of Blanchardville; one sister, Betty Dammen of Argyle; seventeen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sister-in-laws, Mary Louise Teutschmann, Audrey (Dan) Parkinson, Ruth (Don) Vick; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary & Leland Granberg; a brother, William McGowan; and a brother-in-law, Merlin Dammen.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday night, February 2, 2011 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com. Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eloise McGowan of Blanchardville; seven children, Christine (Tom) Zeal of New Glarus, Joanne (Dennis) Erb of Argyle, Jeffrey (Liz) McGowan of Blanchardville, Robert (Virginia) McGowan of Blanchardville, Barbara (Scott) Cassidy of Blanchardville, Larry (Carol) McGowan of Monticello, and Rolly (Patty) McGowan of Blanchardville; one sister, Betty Dammen of Argyle; seventeen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sister-in-laws, Mary Louise Teutschmann, Audrey (Dan) Parkinson, Ruth (Don) Vick; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary & Leland Granberg; a brother, William McGowan; and a brother-in-law, Merlin Dammen.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday night, February 2, 2011 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com. Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.