Rowell, Robert

Robert Rowell passed away late Sunday evening after a three-year battle with cancer. A visitation is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Cedar Memorial from 4 to 7 p.m. with the Masonic rites at 4:30 p.m. The Celebration of Life will occur Thursday, Feb. 7, at 11:30 a.m. at Echo Hill Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jim Langley officiating. Private burial with military rites will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Companion Robert Bishop Rowell (Bob) was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sept. 24, 1927, the son of Ray Bert Rowell and Lola A. Bishop Rowell. Bob had two brothers, Tom and Dick; and one sister, Patty. Tom preceded Bob in death.

After graduation, Bob served his country enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. For 37 years Bob worked at the Cedar Rapids Post Office.

Bob married the former Sally King (Flozella Mae King) at the First Methodist Church in Iowa City on April 21, 1945. To this union they raised four children, David, Lois, Mark and Bill. Sally preceded Bob in death in May 2003.

Bob leaves his children, grandchildren and second wife, Roberta (Angell) Rowell as survivors. David and wife Therese (Reid) of Cedar Rapids, their child, Lindsay (Luke) Boeke and their two children, Ella and Addison of Round Lake, Ill.; Lois Ann husband David Bailey who made a career out of the Navy (21 years) of Marion; Mark and wife Tami (Wilken) of Cedar Rapids, children Matthew, Katherine (both at Kirkwood College) and Taylor at Coe College; and Bill and wife Sherry (Morris) who has one son, Jacob Mikkola (Iowa State University).

Bob was very active in Boy Scouts, was a deacon at Knox Presbyterian Church and elected an elder of four Presbyterian churches in Cedar Rapids. Bob also served on the general council of the Northeast Iowa Presbytery for several years.

After retirement in 1986, Bob volunteered at St. Luke's, Mended Hearts and the V.A. in Iowa City.

Bob met the former Roberta Angell while at cardiac rehab and married in 2007.

Bob was been active in the Masonic Bodies since 1952. Mount Hermon Lodge #263 AF&AM; Trowel Chapter #49; Royal Arch Masons where Bob served as High Priest in 1965, Palestine Council #21 Royal and Select Masters where he was illustrious Master in 1968 and Grand Master of R & S Masons for the State of Iowa.

Memorials may be made to The Ghosh Center or Hospice of St. Luke's.

Online condolences may be left at under “obituaries.”

Published in The Gazette Feb. 5, 2013.