Walter Rowen Obituary

Mr. Walter Rowen of Ada, Michigan (formerly of Grand Rapids), age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
He was the youngest of three children born to Aleksy and Olga (Mocka) Romanowicz in Hamtramck, Michigan. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. After service he held various jobs in Detroit, including repossessing cars for a bank. There he met JoAnne Martus, the love of his life and they were married in Lapeer, Michigan. They moved to Grand Rapids after starting a family. Walter worked at Central Bank, then Michigan National, and retired from his position as Mortgage Officer First Michigan Bank. He worked to achieve an Associates Degree in Finance and Banking from Davenport College while supporting a family of six. He was an active member of his community and had a strong sense of civic duty. He volunteered with the Urban League, teaching life skills and financial management programs. He also volunteered with the Y's Men's Club and was involved in efforts organized by the Santa Claus Girls for decades.
He was a member of St. Patrick Parish in Parnell and enjoyed his church community. Walt, as he was known by his friends, loved the game of golf, enjoyed fishing and was a fan of the Detroit sports teams. Most of all he loved time spent family and friends. He was fiercely proud of his family.
He is survived by four adoring children René (Daniel) Savage, Laura Rowen (Robert Morris), Karen (Jesse) Lewit, and Gary (Kathy) Rowen. Walter is also survived by much cherished grandsons; Matthew (Jackie) Savage, Michael Savage, Bradley Savage, Zachary Lewit, Adam Lewit, three great grandsons; Sister in law Marti Johnston and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 57 years JoAnne, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Alex and Theresa Rowen, his sister and brother-in-law Rose and Chester Wozniak, brother and sister in law Raymond (Sally) Martus.
There will be a time of visitation on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at the Pederson Funeral Home at 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, Michigan. The rosary will be recited at 4:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be offered on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 4351 Parnell Avenue NE, Ada, MI 49301, with Father Tom Cavera officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to Mass at the Church.
For those wishing to make a gesture in Walter's memory, the family requests that contributions to the Faith Hospice Circle of Faith Endowment Fund in Grand Rapids be considered in lieu of flowers.
Please visit www.pedersonfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Walter or sign guest book online.