Russell C Rowan

Russell Curtis Rowan age 101, passed away peacefully at home under the loving care of his family, Oaklawn Hospice, and Peachy Home Care. He was born July 16, 1917 in Red Lodge, Montana, the son of Clyde and Frances (Hayworth) Rowan. Russ served our country honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a flight surgeon.

On March 19, 1993, he married Dorothy (Gottshall) in Florida and she survives. Also surviving are children: Christopher (Deborah) Rowan of San Diego CA, Carol Galas of Royal Oak, MI, James Nageldinger of Elmira, NY, Diana Hrab of Albion, MI; grandchildren: Katherine Knowles (Fiancé, Brian Laird), Alison Hrab (Fiancé, Dave Porter), Andrea (Eric) Clark, Maria (Richard) Moubadder, Nicholas Galas, Adam (Kassandra) Nageldinger, Joshua (Erica) Nageldinger, Jacob (Serena) Nageldinger, Katie (Ben) Phillips, Meaghan Maloney, Jamie McFarlane, Kenyon McFarlane (Fiancé George); great-grandchildren: Kalina Clark, Lucas Clark, Caden Hoyt, Leah Moubadder, Brandon Moubadder, Owen Darling, Adelaide Darling and sister, Joyce (George) Heiser.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marian (Keeler) in 1988, children: Ann McFarlane and Joseph Michael Nageldinger, son-in-law, Russell Hrab and brother, Clifford Rowan.

Russ graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, Washington. He then received a bachelor’s degree from Washington State College, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Russ then went on to attend Northwestern University Medical School and completed residency at Evanston Hospital. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp as a flight surgeon and was stationed in Japan for post-war reconstruction. It was during medical school that he met Marian Keeler. They married at St James Episcopal Church in Albion, Michigan in 1944, where Marian continued to reside with her parents while Dr. Rowan returned to active duty. He then returned to complete Army Air Corp training and serve in Japan, where he constructed the first military hospitals there.

In 1947, Dr Rowan returned to Albion, Michigan, where he began his practice with his father-in-law, Kenneth Keeler. He was a general family practitioner, a surgeon, a high school physician, a Golden Glove Boxing physician, a staff member of both Albion Community Hospital and Sheldon Memorial Hospital, and he also maintained a private practice after Dr Keeler retired. During this time, he made countless house calls and delivered over 1880 babies. Many of his ‘children’ still reside in his beloved community.

Dr Rowan was a member of the American, Lansing, and Southwest Theatre Organ Societies, the Theatre Historical Society, American Legion, the Barbershop Harmony Society, American Association of Family Practitioners, Michigan State Medical Society, American Medical Association, Boy Scouts of America, Buckaroosters, Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, Camera Club of Albion, Exchange Club, Calhoun County Medical Society (President 1973), Calhoun County Board of Health, Albion Chamber of Commerce (President 1969-1970), Festival of the Forks (founding member, Lifetime Achievement Award), and A.P.A.L.S. He was also a board member on Albion Community Hospital, Homestead Savings & Loan Bank, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity.

Dr Rowan was involved in many extracurricular projects that were close to his heart. He was part of a Barbershop Quartet, the Noteworthy’s, for several decades and performed locally as well as surrounding areas. His group could often be spotted entertaining crowds with a pontoon performance around Duck Lake. Russ had a profound love for music, especially opera, with a special fondness for Maria Callas. He spent much of his life playing and restoring theater organs. He obtained a Wurlitzer theatre organ from Coldwater, Michigan, in the 1980’s and spent over a year cleaning, repairing, reassembling, and restoring it in his basement. He had organ pipes that filled the walls, enabling him to create true theatre organ sound. He was also part of a team that attempted to restore the theatre organ at the Bohm, which unfortunately was beyond repair. He made yearly stag trips to ‘the roost’ in Montana for fly fishing, cribbage, and Barbershop singing. He had a passion for silent movies and would put on ‘shows’ in his beloved basement for guests on the big screen. He had a love of photography and treasured his dark room. He spent many years assisting with the historical preservation of Ismon House, where he focused his efforts on restoring the fireplace. He took his family on many camping trips and he had a deep-seeded love for the Rocky Mountains. He built the first residence on Locust Lane and also gave the street its name.

Dr Rowan loved serving his community and all of its residents. He always felt blessed to be able to give back, and was completely humble in everything he did and achieved. His strength of character led to the highest level of respect by everyone he met. This is in large part due to the respect, kindness, generosity, support, and care he gave those around him. He had a way of giving advice without being judgmental and was a phenomenal listener. His intelligence was never boastful and his voice no doubt gave many people much-needed reassurance. He led by the example that we should all strive to be, and he will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and community.

According to Russ’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of life will be held in the spring or summer (details will follow). In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in honor and memory of Dr. Rowan to:

The Leukemia Foundation via www.leukemiafoundation.org or directly to

St James Episcopal Church, Albion, Michigan. 119 W Erie St.