Russel E. Rowe

Russel E. Rowe, 92, of Goshen, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and cousin, died peacefully Saturday afternoon, January 6, surrounded by his loving family at Goshen Hospital, Goshen.

Russel is survived by his wife Joyce (nee´ Hart) of 69 years; daughters Kitty (Dr. Terry) Kaeser, Connie (Carl) Pestow both of Goshen, and son Jack (Theresa) Rowe of Fort Wayne; grandchildren Christopher (Courtney) Kaeser, Dr. Diane Kaeser, Katrina (William) Murray, Brian Pestow (Kristyn Moore) Scott Pestow (Jerrica Hudson), who are expecting the tenth great-grandchild soon, Dan (Allison) Rowe, Craig (Melissa) Rowe, Dr. Linda (Sam) Parker; and great-grandchildren Henry and June Kaeser; Claire, Russell and Logan Rowe; Leland and Calla Rowe; Jeremy and Julianna Moore.

Nieces Susan Kane and Beth Smoker-Priest and nephew Ed Smoker all of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and cousins Larry and Jane Rowe of Goshen.

Extended family members Audrey Prochaska, Mark and Cindy Tsagalakis, and Mike and Cheryl Books.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Evelyn (Stanford) Rowe-Smoker of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

Russel was born in unincorporated Elkhart County near Millersburg, on May 13, 1925, the second child of Samuel and Florence (nee´ Shepard) Rowe.

He attended Goshen High School and graduated in 1943. While there he participated in football and track, rising to the varsity level in each sport.

Russel enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his birthday in 1943 and was later stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as a Navy Seabee. He was honorably discharged at the rank of coxswain (CB) in March 1946, decorated with as an Expert Rifleman and Victory Medal World War II, Asiatic Pacific.

On return to civilian life, Russel began a life-long career as an auto-body repairman in the Goshen/Middlebury area. Many including Byler’s, I.A. Miller and Max Myers employed his skills and workmanship. Russel finally started his own business as the sole proprietor of the Maple City Body Shop in Goshen.

Away of work Russel was a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor for many years helping many children and adults learn to swim at the GHS pool. He served as a precinct chairman for the Elkhart County Republican Party, was an active GHS alumni involved in the All Class Reunion committee and a proud member of the VFW post 985.

Russel enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family. He thrilled at attending Notre Dame Women’s basketball games, auto racing events and relished attending his children’s and grand children’s school and sporting activities.

According to his wishes cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory, Goshen, burial will be at a later date at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

A memorial service will be conducted Wed., Jan. 10, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Family friend, Rev. Amanda Yoder-Schrock, will officiate.  Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to V.F.W. National Home for Children, to assist families and children of veterans in crisis, 3573 Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI  48827 or Paws for Purple Hearts, to fund service dogs for veterans, 5860 Labath Ave., Ste. A, Rohnert Park, CA  94928.