James M. "Jim" Rowe

James M. "Jim" Rowe, age 92 of Oregon, WI formerly of Darlington, WI passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI. He was born November 29, 1931, the son of William and Mildred (Christianson) Rowe. Jim grew up in Darlington, first attending the Van Meter School, and then graduated from Darlington High School. His sense of duty led him to serve his country in the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning, Jim furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, earning a degree from the School of Engineering. Jim's dedication to his profession was evident throughout his career as a civil engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he built many roads and bridges, and most importantly life-long friendships.

On August 12, 1953, Jim united in marriage with his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Joyce A. Skattum, at Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington. Their partnership was a cornerstone of his life, and together they built a loving family. In 1968, Jim and Joyce moved to Oregon, WI, where they would make their home and create countless memories.

Growing up on a farm, Jim developed his work ethic, character, teamwork, and creative problem solving. Entering high school, Jim wanted to be an athlete and showed his dad that practices and games wouldn't interfere with his chores, paving the way for his younger brothers to play sports. This love of sports a constant, he was always rooting for the Badgers, Packers, and Darlington Red Birds.

Family was central to Jim's life. He was known for never missing his children's ball games, putting countless worms on fishing hooks, staying up late to help with math homework, and hosting Thanksgiving dinners for international students and family friends. Jim also became an "honorary" dad to many of his children's friends who have stayed in touch over the years. Time with his grandchildren held a special place in Jim's heart-watching Jenna compete in horseshows, teaching Keenan and Kyler to shoot skeet, and making lefse and krumkake together. Visiting family and friends was another of Jim's joys, especially Joyce and his annual trips to Arizona, where they made lifelong friends over the course of 20 years. His trips north to the cabin were also a favorite involving fishing, hunting, card games, and sitting by the campfire.

Jim's life was enriched by his community involvement. A man of faith, he was baptized and confirmed at Apple Grove Church in Darlington, WI, and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Oregon, WI. Jim was also a member of the Darlington American Legion and Oregon/Brooklyn VFW. One of his legacies was helping to found the Oregon Sportsman's Club in 1970. Jim spent many hours there, enthusiastically volunteering; shooting skeet, trap, and sporting clays; and sharing time with his gun club family. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting and fishing, pastimes he enjoyed with his brother Dick, son Mark, and many friends.

Jim is survived by his children: Mark (Lisa Vaaler) Rowe, Gretchen (Mark) Rennebaum, and Jill (Mike) Krantz; his adored grandchildren: Keenan Krantz, Kyler Krantz, and Jenna Rowe; his brother: Jerry Rowe; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; his son, Eric Rowe; and his siblings: Donald (Harriet) Rowe, Marian (Maurice) Rear, Leone (Jim) O'Brien, and Richard "Dick" Rowe; as well as his parents-in-law, Chris and Alyce Skattum, and his brother-in-law, Phillip Skattum.

Visitations will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main St., Darlington) and on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church (625 E. Netherwood St, Oregon, WI, 53575). A funeral service will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church (625 E. Netherwood St, Oregon, WI, 53575) with Pastor Ellen Stelzle officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington on Saturday, June 15, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association honoring Jim's family members, or Agrace Hospice Center, Fitchburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

LINKS

Erickson Funeral Home

Wisconsin State Journal

http://host.madison.com/wsj

The Oregon Observer

http://www.connectoregonwi.com