Ralph "Bud" Edward Rowe

Ralph Edward “Bud” Rowe, 89, passed away Monday, May 24, 2021, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. He was born December 18, 1931, in Rockford, IL, the son of Ralph and Mary Ita (Markham) Rowe. Graduated West High School. Ralph is a decorated Marine Corps veteran who served during the Korean War and was one of the Chosin Few that fought on the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. After his discharge from the Marine Corps he married Marianne Mabrey on April 7, 1955. Bud worked for Ingersoll Milling Machine and then Smith Oil before finding his career with Prudential Insurance Company where he retired as the regional manager and VP. Bud and Marianne have owned and operated the Savoy Lounge in Rockford since 1982. Bud was a caring and loving husband and father who was always there to offer someone help when they needed it. He loved spending time with family and friends. Bud was a proud Marine who took pride in his service to his country, but the thing he was most proud of was his marriage to Marianne and his love for his 3 children. Bud was a member of the Lombardi Club, The American Legion, VFW post #1461 in Belvidere and the Marine Corps League where he was a past Commandant.
Survived by his children, Tim (Ellen) Rowe, Maureen Masterson and Michael (Meridith) Rowe; his grandchildren, Brandee (Christian) Vega, Marie (Jesse Spencer) Hodges, Macy (Kurtis Crabb) Masterson, Nicholas Toebe, Demi Toebe, Austin Rowe, and Koree Rowe; his great grandchildren, Liam, Sophia, Canaan and Willow; his sisters, Julianne (Ron) Lentz and Rita Watling; sister-in-law, Carolyn Rowe; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Marianne; his parents and his brothers, William and Michael Rowe.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at St. Rita Catholic Church. Burial in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Seward to follow Mass. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM at the Church. For those unable to attend the service, it will be streamed via zoom. Please go to www.zoom.us, meeting ID: 810 290 6045 and passcode: 1234. All are invited to an open house and celebration of the lives of Bud and Marianne at Savoy Lounge beginning at 3:00 PM on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to Toys for Tots. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com