Frances L.W. Rowe, age 95, passed away on August 26, 2025, at Oak Hills where she had recently made a new home. She was visited by beloved family members and attended by her daughter-in-law, Christel, during her journey to be with her Lord.

She was born near Howard Lake, MN to Charles and Clara Melinsky. She attended schools in the Howard Lake area and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud University. While at St. Cloud University she met her beloved husband, Herbert Rowe. They were married for 51 years and enjoyed many adventures together. She continued her education by doing graduate work at several colleges and completed a certification in Reading and Psychological Testing from Western Michigan University. She taught in the Wayzata, Howard Lake, Rochester and Nashwauk-Keewatin districts in Minnesota. In 1982 she was awarded the Itasca Teacher of the Year Award. Fran loved teaching and enjoyed helping children at local elementary schools in her retirement.

Fran and Herb enjoyed traveling and visited nearly every state in the U.S. and many Canadian provinces. Through Global Volunteers, they spent time teaching English in Poland and China. They were fortunate to be able to enjoy time in Europe and Israel. Both were members of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church where she was active in many areas of its ministry. She was also involved in other community volunteer work. Fran had a passion for helping others and taking care of those she loved; she especially cherished time with her grandchildren whom she cared for in many ways. She was fortunate to have many passions in her life including her love of painting, baking, gardening, and reading. She will be remembered as a woman who always welcomed friends and family into her home with homemade treats and quality conversations.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Susan Rowe and two grandsons, Scott Rowe, Charles (Cassie) Rowe, great granddaughters, Mollie and Hayden Rowe; her daughter-in-law Christel Rowe and two granddaughters, Alyson Rowe and Kathryn (Nick Vittum) Rowe, great grandsons Cecil Rowe and Harvey Vittum; her honorary grand-daughter, Nina Fischer; and her brother-in-law Leonard Rowe.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Everett and Dale Melinsky; as well as her husband Herbert S. Rowe and beloved sons Jonathan Rowe and Michael Rowe.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 11:00am memorial service. Rev. David Anderson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, or for those who wish to donate funds in her name, the family would like to recommend donating to the St. Andrew's Women of the ELCA, or FFA alumni fund which supports the upkeep of Jon Rowe Memorial Forest and FFA program, or Grand Rapids Area Library Foundation

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.