Etta Rowan

WINONA, MN - Etta A. Rowan, a 97 year resident of Winona, died Monday evening, April 23, 2007, at Lake Winona Manor. Etta was born December 19, 1909, in Winona, to ,Theodore and Lena (Loerch) Volkmann. An older sister, Helen Richardson, pre- deceased Etta in 1968. Etta A. Volkmann married Luke J. Rowan on September 20, 1938, at the St. Thomas Pro-Cathedral in Winona. Luke was employed by the Federal Bakery and Etta worked for the Candy Box restaurant. : The couple had five children: Richard Rowan, of Murrieta, CA, LuEtta M. Swisher of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Patricia A. Gahnz, of Hastings, MN., Michael J. Rowan, of Englewood, FI. and Thomas L. Rowan deceased in 1948. Etta and Luke also raised David E. Mc Donald, of Winona, MN, and considered David a son. In 1955, the Rowan's opened their home on East Sanborn for the care of Catholic Charity infants who were awaiting adoption. Etta and Luke cared for about 107 children until 1966. She also was a dietitian at the Watkins Home for many years. Etta enjoyed children, cooking, quilting, embroidery and ceramics. Mrs. Rowan was preceded in death by her husband, Luke J., after 55 years of marriage, in 1993, and a baby son, Thomas L. She is survived by five children, wives/husbands as follows: Son, Richard Rowan and Yvonne with four children, Melissa M. Ayers, Cynthia M. Mendrala, Kimberly A. Rowan and DeAnn N. Rowan. Daughter, LuEtta M. Swisher, (Charles), Daughter, Patricia Gahnz and Robert, with three children: Cory L. Gahnz, Rinda H. Gahnz and Chad R. Gahnz. Son, Michael J. Rowan and Roberta with children: Christopher J. Rowan, Jennifer A. Mitchell, Patrick J. Rowan and Sara Nelson Craft. Son, David E. McDonald and Rebecca with three children: Andrew T. McDonald, Christiaanna C. McDonald, and Dain L. McDonald. Etta Rowan also has 14 Great Grandchildren in Minnesota, Wisconsin and California. In leiu of flowers, memorials are prefered to Mrs. Rowan's favorite childrens charities.A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturuday, May 19, 2007, at 11:00am at St. Casimir's Catholic Church (626 W. Broadway) in Winona, MN. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service - Hansen Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.