Robert B. Rowan was born September 8th, 1927 to Andrew F. Rowan and Fannie (Bauld) in his Aunt Ella Johnson's house in Springview, NE.  He passed away on June 13th, 2016 at the age of 88 years old. He was the last surviving sibling of this family union.

He attended Payne School District and graduated from Keya Paha School in 1945. After graduation, he remained on the family homestead until he was drafted into the US Army on November 28th, 1950 during the Korean War.  He was stationed at Fort Riley, KS.   During this time, he was united in marriage to Helen Marie (Birkel) on January 25th, 1951 at Junction City, KS.   He was honorably discharged on November 27th, 1952.  They returned home to the family homestead and began farming and ranching with his family. They were blessed with 2 children -  Steven Loy and Sandra Kay.

Bob was baptized in his Christian faith with his children, Steve and Sandra in the Methodist Church in Jamison, NE.  Bob was a life long member of the Methodist faith.

During Bob's lifetime, he believed in serving his community.   He was a Three River Telco board member for over 55 years, a school board member for the District 3 at Mills, NE; a member of the American Post Legion #98; and also a board member of the ASCS program.  He enjoyed farming and ranching, playing cards, cooking, singing, and Carlock dances.  He liked telling stories and loved the outdoors.  Most of all, he had a great love for his family and friends, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. He took pleasure in the simple things and touched the lives of everyone he met.

Grateful for having shared his life, survivors include his wife and best friend, Helen for 65 years; Sandra (Gregory) Swan of Mills, NE and their 3 children: Christopher (Anna) Swan of Valentine, NE - Wade (Dulcie) Swan of Herrick, SD – Erica (Calvin) Klein of Mills, NE; and Rita Rowan Stoeger (the wife of the late Steve Rowan) and their son: Robert (Melissa) Rowan of Valentine, NE; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law JoAnn Birkel; special neighbors Larry and Carol Shepperd of Mills, NE; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

Bob was preceded in death by: son Steve; parents Andrew and Fannie; 2 brothers and their spouses William J. Rowan (Joann), and Andrew F. Rowan Jr. (Lois); 2 sisters and their spouses Agnes (Russ) Graesser, and Marguerite Hulit (Ralph); an infant sister; and in-laws William and Pauline Birkel, Edward (Mary) Birkel, Leonard Birkel, Delbert Birkel, Delores and Ralph Kirsh.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Civic Center in Burke, SD.  Burial will be at the Olive Branch Cemetery, Mills, NE.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.