Freddie Dale Rowe

Fred D. Rowe, 81 years old, passed away unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, July 11, 2022 at his home.  Fred was born on November 20, 1940 in a farmhouse in Marshall County, IN to the late Harold W. Rowe and Helen Anna (Olinger) Six.  He remained a lifelong resident.  On May 22, 1970 at the Lakeville Christian Church, Fred married his bride, Christine K. McCausland. He always said he would never make it to his 50th wedding anniversary, but on May 22nd, 2020, he celebrated one of the happiest days of his life!

Along with Chris, his loving wife of 52 years, Fred is survived by their two children, Harold Rowe of Lakeville and Christian (Brandy) Rowe of Mishawaka; five grandchildren, Ethan, Marissa, Brice, Bremen, and Brittin; two sisters, Jennette (Bo) Sheneman of Culver and Liz (Sue) Rowe of Mishawaka; and one brother, Wayne (Marsha) Six of Newport News, VA.  Fred is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  Along with his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Tanner and Step Dad (Pop) Ralph Six. Fred loved spending time with his family, especially taking his sons, daughter-in-law, and grandkids out for dinner. He was especially proud of his son Christian becoming a licensed plumber, devoted husband, and a wonderful father to all his kids.  He and Harold shared both Masonic and Eastern Star together and he was so proud and looking forward to Harold following in his footsteps as Worthy Grand Patron in 2023, the first father and son to serve in Indiana.

Fred’s career started at the Chrysler-Plymouth auto dealership from 1959-1970 and he proudly served his country with the United States Army from 1963-1965.  He dedicated 35  years to South Bend Sash and Door where he retired in 2006 as Vice President and CFO. He was a member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church serving on several boards and committees, choir director, church organist, and loved singing in the choir for over 40 years.  Fred was currently an associate member attending Grace United Methodist Church, as well as serving as an organist at Pine Creek Church of the Brethren.

Fred also served on the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, Lakeville Town Board of Trustees for 4 years, and Union-North School Board of Trustees for 3 years.

Fred was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend and the Orak Shrine, Michigan City. He was raised a Master Mason February 22, 1963.  He served as an officer, mainly organist, for most of his time as a Mason. He was a 59 year member of the Lakeville Masonic Lodge serving as Master in 1982 and 1998 and Chair of the building committee in 2008-2009 while the new lodge and temple were constructed. Fred spent many nights cooking dinners before the meetings with his lifelong friend, Ron Clady. They were considered the best cooks and the fun times they shared in that kitchen were second to none but paled in comparison to the extraordinary friendship they shared throughout the years.

Fred was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star in 1968 and was a 54 year member.  He served as Worthy Patron 13 times. He was the main potato masher for their chicken dinners, head mixer when cheese balls were made and used his special spaghetti and meatball recipe. He served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1985-1986 and as Worthy Grand Warder for General Grand Chapter from 2012-2015.

Fred’s love for music began at an early age. He learned to play the piano and later taught himself how to play the organ. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and was often asked to sing at weddings or for Eastern Star events. He loved to spend time in his garden, feed his birds, watch his train show on Monday afternoons, and make farm breakfast for his family.

Without a doubt, volunteering and countless acts of service defined Fred’s life.  It exemplified the kind of man and mentor he was to so many of the lives he touched.  Fred is the true embodiment of a loyal, humble servant, faithful friend, and the absolute finest of fathers.  His family will dearly miss his charismatic, bright smile, his vivid, colorful stories around the fireplace, his heartfelt blessings before each meal, but especially his big bear hugs with each hello and before every goodbye.

Military honors, Masonic services and words of remembrance will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville with Pastor Stacee Fisher Gehring officiating assisted by Dan Tanner, Fred’s nephew.  Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fred D. Rowe may be donated to Lakeville Lodge No. 353, F. & A.M. building fund, P.O. Box 247, Lakeville, IN  46536.  Online condolences may be offered to Fred’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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