Ferris R. Rowe, Jr.

Ferris R. Rowe, Jr. obituary, Vassar, MI

Ferris R. Rowe, Jr.

Ferris Rowe, Jr. Obituary

Visit the Hanlin Funeral Homes - Vassar website to view the full obituary.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Ferris Richard Rowe, Jr., age 76, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was a friend, a brother, a mentor, and a true adventurer. 

Born on September 27, 1948, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Ferris, Sr. & Hilda (Smith) Rowe, he was a wild child who loved to socialize and was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. 

He served his country in the Army during Vietnam, overcame immense physical setbacks, retired from service as a disabled veteran, and despite that still raced snow machines, rode horses, and never took "No" for an answer. 

He married Gloria Fox on October 17, 1970, and together, during 54 years of marriage, they raised two daughters.

For most of his life, he worked in the skilled trades and built and repaired machinery and, in retirement, revisited his love of beautiful machines with a treasured Harley Davidson. Taking bike rides, visiting blessing rallies, and fishing with friends were his favorite pastimes.

Ferris’ legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters Crista and Cara; sister Beverly (Larry) Stratton; brother Ernest Rowe, sister in law Catherine (Eugene) Rowe and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ferris Sr; his mother, Hilda Irene Smith, brother Eugene Rowe, and numerous close friends.

In honor of Ferris’ spirit, we invite you to celebrate his life in the way he would have wanted—by helping a friend, going for a ride, or casting a line into the water, finding peace in the moments he loved most.

Ride free, Ferris. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

A memorial luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 1, from 12pm-3:30pm, at the Vassar Bullard Sanford Memorial Library event room. 

A limited seating military burial will be held in Holly, MI. The date for that is yet to be announced, and an rsvp will be required for attendance.

Kindly share a memory with Ferris’ family in the guestbook below.

Ferris and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. 1148 W. Saginaw Rd. Phone (989) 823-8621.

Hanlin Funeral Homes ~ Serving Since 1928 ~ Millington & Vassar

Hanlin Funeral Homes - Vassar

1148 West Saginaw Road, Vassar, MI 48768

Make a Donation
in Ferris Rowe, Jr.'s name

How to support Ferris's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ferris Rowe, Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more