Philip Michael Rowan, 75, of Burlington, died Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born September 24, 1950, in Burlington, he was the son of Phillip B. and Alice Hartman Rowan. On September 27, 1975, he married Marsha Cowger in Mediapolis.
He was a 1968 graduate of Burlington Notre Dame High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Ambrose University.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.
Phil was the owner of D&R Amusement. A hard worker at heart, Phil had a remarkable knack for fixing just about anything, never shying away from a challenge or a late-night call to "change the music."
He was the kind of man people were naturally drawn to. Fun-loving and full of warmth, he had an easy way of making friends wherever he went. Each winter, he made his way to Florida, where he could often be found at his favorite tiki bar, laughing, swapping stories, and welcoming new faces as if they were old friends.
Some of his happiest moments were spent along the Mississippi River, where he felt most at peace. He was an avid admirer and collector and took special pride in the things he loved, especially old cars and guns.
Survivors include his wife, Marsha Rowan of Burlington; two brothers, Steven P. (Morfoula) Rowan of Ankeny, and Tom (Debbie) Rowan of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; a sister, Sharon Rowan of Franklin, Tennessee; a sister-in-law, Kim Lyles of Gallatin, Tennessee; a nephew, Alex (Erin) Rowan of Johnston; and two nieces, Julie Rowan of Boulder, Colorado, and Emmy Grey of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Sam Lyles.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A celebration of life for Phil will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 24, at Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 150, 2727 Mount Pleasant St., Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society, Burlington Notre Dame Foundation, and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Phil's obituary at www.prughfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Jerry Dale Hartman-McDonnell
January 10, 2026
Phil, I shall miss our visits, our long phone calls and texts, and being on Big Island, and on the river, and honored to be your cousin.
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Julie kirk
January 6, 2026
Phil never forgot to bring Slots mushrooms as soon as he found his first batch! What a nice, nice guy who always greeted me with "Darlin“!"
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