SPARTA-Herbert Rowan, age 90, passed away April 7, 2025, at the Serenity House in Tomah after suffering from heart complications. He was born November 22, 1934 to Victor and Anna (Reise) Rowan at his aunt’s home which was situated on land which is now Fort McCoy. In 1942 his father was told they must relocate so Victor moved the family to a farm on Bush Prairie near Angelo and that’s where Herb spent his whole life. He had attended Prescott School for two years, then Bush Prairie School, and graduated from Sparta Senior High School. He worked on his dad’s farm and for the neighbors. He married Margaret Johnson on August 19, 1961 and they took over the family farm.
Herb served on the LaFayette Town Board for many years and was a member of the Cataract Sportsmen’s Club. He and Margaret loved to travel and enjoyed taking fishing trips to Eagle River. Herb loved going to auctions in search of collectibles – he started out with antique irons and eventually switched to crescent wrenches. He also enjoyed his coffee, cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and on occasion a fresh cold beer. Aside from his passion for farming, he also liked playing cards, cutting wood, and picking those pesky dandelions.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughter, Lynn Humphrey; and son, Randy (Kathy) Rowan; grandchildren Kristi (Eric) Waege, Becky Humphrey, Megan (Felix) Alvarado, Justin (Jacinda) Rowan, Matt (Kayla) Rowan; great-grandchildren (who nicknamed him Grandpa Moo); Shelby Hanson (Dawson Cordner), Jaeden Hanson (Cameron Wells), Katelyn Humphrey, Evan Hanson, Addison and Emmersyn Alvarado, Tayten and Tilden Rowan; and great-great grandson, Everett Hanson. He is also survived by his sisters, Luella (Jim) DeVoe and Joyce (Art) Henry; brothers-in-law, Duane Selbrede and Ron Holme; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He cherished time spent with his family and friends and always had a story to share.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Anna Rowan; twin brother, Howard Rowan; sisters, Lucille Rowan, Jeanette Selbrede, and Sue Holme; sister-in-law, Nancy Rowan; and son-in-law, Larry Humphrey.
We will love and miss you until we meet again.
A Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rockland United Methodist Church, with Reverend Fran Hewuse Jr. officiating.
Friends and family are invited for visitation from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
