Alvin Rowe

Alvin Wesley Rowe came into this world on November 1, 1921 and completed his life's journey on January 20, 2008. Born at home in Exeter Ontario, he resided with his parents, Cecil and Caroline Rowe and sister Muriel on the family farm until he entered the Canadian Armed Forces during W.W. II. He met his bride, Phyllis Zweng of Marine City per a chance encounter at a social function in St. Clair, Michigan and were married on June 25, 1949. Together they raised their four children in Smith's Creek and Marysville, Michigan. Alvin worked at many factories during his work career as well as owning a gas station, and driving Marysville school bus for Jack Hurley. Together with his wife and oldest son they sold their family home, moved to Granby Colorado and opened a combined restaurant-Long Branch and Laundry Facility. After a strenuous five years, they sold the popular restaurant and moved back to Michigan and he resumed bus driving for several more years. About this time, Alvin was settling back into retirement, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. For many years, he and Phyllis were able to handle his care at home, but after suffering a fractured hip, his care became to difficult for the family and Alvin became a resident of Evangelical Nursing Home in April of 2005. He was a former member of B.P.O.E. #343, L.O.O.M #158 Knights of Columbus, Marysville Council and parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church. His wife, Phyllis, daughter Mary Lynn (James "Charlie") Beals of Fort Gratiot, sons Robert of Steamboat Springs, CO, Kenneth of Port Huron, MI and sister Muriel McKenzie of Canada survive Mr. Rowe. His grandchildren, Kristopher, Kaylee, Levi, Rebecca, Robbie Jr, Jennifer, one great-grandchild, nieces and nephews. His son Thomas and grandson Jim preceded him in death. Visiting hours will be 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. Private family services will take place on Wednesday. The Rev. Simeon T. Iber will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Alvin may be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation