HARLOWE ROWE

Harlowe Eugene Rowe “Sonny”, 86, died Sunday January 24, 2021 at Park View Health Center, Oshkosh. He was born June 15, 1934 in Oshkosh, son of the late Harlow L. and Olive (Paquette) Rowe. Sonny married Vicky Schlemme on October 31, 1964. 

Sonny served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman aboard the USS Coral Sea and the USS Midway. Early on, Sonny had a passion for building radios and broadcasting as a HAM radio operator.  He was the youngest person in Wisconsin to receive a HAM Radio operators license. This experience led him to become a Radioman in the U.S. Navy where he sailed all over the world visiting and photographing the historical sights he'd read and dreamt about as a child.    

Sonny was an AVID fisherman, and as a lifetime member of the Otter Street Fishing Club he shared this love for fishing and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren.  Some of the best times were shared with his brothers, sister, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren around a roaring campfire.  His music played, songs were sung, the stories of our lives were told, and the laughter was deafening.  

Because of his love for animals, there was always a pet or two in the house, and for a time he bred tropical fish.  He loved his many grand dogs. 

There wasn't anything that Sonny couldn't fix, and he especially enjoyed working on cars. He was very proud of his vintage Jaguar XK 120. He worked as an Electrician for Presto Products in Appleton for 32 years, retiring in 1996. 

Faith was a very important part of Sonny's life.  He was a member of Hope Lutheran Brethren Church in Appleton. He was looking forward to meeting his beloved Jesus when he was called to be with Him. 

Sonny's greatest love came from time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vicky; their three children: Lisa Rowe, Harlowe A. (Annette) Rowe and Jennifer (Jeff) Ehren; three grandchildren: Joshua O'Neill, Joey O'Neill, and Harlowe R. Rowe; two brothers: Donald (Anna), and Gary. Sonny was further preceded in death by two sisters: Olive “Anne” Knostenberg, and Yvonne Rowe; and a brother, Ernest Rowe. 

Because of the pandemic, no services will be held at this time.  However, a celebration of life will be held in the upcoming months.  Please join the Facebook group Sonny Rowe: A Celebration of Life to share your stories and memories with us.  Memorials can be sent to the Fox Valley Humane Association: N115 2 mile Road, Appleton, WI 54914.

Sonny's family would like to extend a special thank you to Jean Berkers, all his caregivers at Heartwood Homes, Park View Health Center, and the staff at ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all their care and compassion.