Robert J. “Rowdy” Rowley
Robert J. “Rowdy” Rowley, 80, of Prairie du Chien passed away Friday, March 4, at his home surrounded by his family after an extended illness.
He was born Oct. 17, 1935 in Cottage Grove, the son of Oscar and Virginia (Angus) Rowley. He served in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict. He married Diane Clements on Sept. 23, 1978 at St. Peter’s Church in Prairie du Chien. Rowdy worked as a disc jockey for a La Crosse radio station and later became a plant manager for Prairie Redi-Mix in Prairie du Chien. He owned and operated Rowdy’s Tavern in Prairie du Chien for 26 years until his retirement. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed playing golf at the Barnyard Nine.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Diane of Prairie du Chien; his daughters, Shannon (Doug) Frazier and Shauna Rowley both of Prairie du Chien, Kathi Giffin of Kohler; his sisters, Barb and Shirley along with his grandchildren, Lindsey, Justin, Jamie and Amy. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Linnea Wiersgalla and a brother Ronnie.
A memorial gathering will be Thursday, March 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel in Prairie du Chien. Military honors will be accorded by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard.