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Michael Rowen

1959 - 2014

Michael Rowen obituary, 1959-2014

BORN

1959

DIED

2014

Michael Rowen Obituary

Anchorage, Alaska, resident Michael Rowen, 55, sadly and regretfully passed away on Nov. 7, 2014. He died of natural causes. A service will be held at the Alaska Aviation Museum on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at 5 p.m. The service will be conducted by Pastor John Carpenter. Michael was born on Feb. 22, 1959, in Peoria, Ill., to Barbara and Jim Rowen. He grew up in Iuka, Miss., and joined the US Navy at the young age of 17. He married soon after and raised three boys: Kevin, Jason and Michael Jr. He married a second time in 1988 in Norfolk, Va., to Mary Anne, whom he met while in the Navy in Hawaii. He honorably completed 20 years of service, retiring as Chief Petty Office, Torpedman's mate. He is a veteran of Desert Storm and served on the USS Ticonderoga during this conflict. His final duty station was at NTC Orlando, Fla., where he served as an instructor. He remained in Florida for several years, with his wife, working in communications and information technology support and eventually taking employment in the northern Virginia area for a few years. He and his wife boldly and somewhat spontaneously moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to work with the Indian Health Service in 2001. They drove to Alaska from Virginia to take on employment at Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham, Alaska, he as an IT specialist and she as a nurse. In 2004, he took a hiatus to hike the entire Appalachian trail, a feat he was always most proud of. His goal was one day to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Michael has been an employee of the Odom Corporation in Anchorage, Alaska, since 2008. He and his wife adopted two beautiful children, Leanna and Faizon in 2009, who enriched his life immensely. Additionally, Mike and his wife provided therapeutic foster care and respite care. He was an avid blood donor. He served as volunteer EMT and firefighter in Dillingham and volunteered for the Red Cross. He enjoyed fishing on his boat in Seward, Alaska, during the summer with his father-in-law. He looked forward to shopping at Costco every weekend. He loved to watch football and "Diners Drive-Ins and Dives." He enjoyed taking his daughter to Arby's and his son to the movies. Michael was a dear person. He always put his family first and there was nothing he would not do for them. He was an extremely generous man. He was very approachable and always there when you needed him. It really seems there was nothing he couldn't do. He had strong convictions and a big heart. He always, always went the extra mile. Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; children, Kevin, Michael Jr., Leanna and Faizon; grandchildren, Trinity, Petra, Zion and Zachary; parents, Barbara and Jim. He is preceded in death by son, Jason; and sister, Deborah. He will be missed by so many. Arrangements entrusted to Legacy Funeral Homes Bragaw Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Nov. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rowen

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Brittney McClusky

August 13, 2017

I love and miss you

Susan Maddock

November 20, 2014

Sending prayers for the family and friends. I became a good friend with Michael while working with him at the ODOM Corp. He had a smile that made the day brighter.

Jill krause

November 18, 2014

I knew Mike for several years. He was always thoughtful and kind to everyone. He would light up the room when he walked in. There wasn't a computer problem he couldn't fix. He will be missed but remembered

Kevin Albert

November 18, 2014

CPO Rowen will always be remembered as a friend first and foremost. I enjoyed our sea stories about time spent in the Navy. I was surprised to learn the news today and condolences to the family. My heart was made heavy today. I once asked Mike if he could live anywhere and I smiled when he said....Dillingham, Alaska! You will be missed Chief, Fare Winds and Following Seas.

Thomas Woods

November 18, 2014

Mary Anne & Family,
I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. My deepest condolences go out to you all. I enjoyed working with him, he was a very skilled technician and he always made our work fun. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. May God be with you all during this difficult time.

Joyce Wojciehowski

November 16, 2014

Mary Anne, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know I will be keeping you in my thoughts. May your years of wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.

Shelley Rogers

November 15, 2014

Mary Anne, while I didn't know your husband, I know your happiness was always evident to me. I am thinking of you & your kids during this difficult loss. God bless you!

Sherre Jones

November 14, 2014

Mike was the best landlord EVER to my son, Rich and me. Thoughtful and compassionate ... always smiling. We will miss him ... God Speed, Mike. We are truly sorry for your loss, Mary Anne - he was one of the good guys!

Bill & Kim Brewington

November 14, 2014

Mary Anne, Leanna, Faizon and Family - Bill and I were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing...you are wonderful neighbors and we will truly miss Mike's greetings when we are outside working in the yard or shovelling snow during the winter months. His smile was beautiful and his love for all of you obvious. Blessings to your entire family...please find comfort in knowing that you were a special part of such a well-lived life.
Bill & Kim

Julie Overbaugh

November 14, 2014

Mary Ann, I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Michael. I wish you and your family peace.

Chandra

November 13, 2014

I started with Odom a year ago and Mike was always one of the most approachable and helpful guys around! I am so sorry and saddened that this world lost someone so genuinely gracious and good hearted. Many prayers to his family. So sorry for the loss ??

Shirley Winther

November 13, 2014

My heart goes out to the family. Mike was an incredible person -- and gave so much to others. He will be missed by so many -- I will be one of them!

Kathy McCue

November 13, 2014

I am so sorry to read about your loss, Mary Anne. My thoughts are with you and the girls.

Elayne Hunter

November 13, 2014

Faizon,
Your Dad was a wonderful man and loved you very much. We are holding you and your family in our hearts.
Elayne Hunter College Gate Elementary School

Michael Rowen

November 13, 2014

Despite the many regrets that I have felt since last week, I can smile and cherish the many fun adventures we shared. We shared so many adventures that included the many long road trips from Maryland to Florida, kayaking the Wekiva River, camping on a fire ant hill, taking me to scuba diving lessons, water skiing/ knee boarding, hiking the Shenandoah trails, fishing trips in Alaska, the “Denny's” challenge, teaching me to drive, and there are many many more things I could add. He was a great guy and when I was with him we were either looking at the latest technology on the market or embarking on a new adventure. I regret so many things but I can take the many things I learned from him to pass on to my son. Thank you Dad for everything! You will be missed!

November 13, 2014

Sympathy and condolence to this family,may our heavenly Father give you peace.....dee

Kellie Compelube

November 12, 2014

Michael would come to the Aviation Museum to help out on our problems with the internet and he was such a kind and soft spoken man. He had a heart of gold and I will miss his smiling face. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the museum.

Laura Freeman

November 12, 2014

My sympathies to the family as you deal with this sudden loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you Mary Anne, Leanna and Faizon.

The staff at Baxter also send their condolences.

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