Obituary of John Rowan

John R. Rowan Age 91, formerly of Joliet, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011 at his late residence in Montgomery, AL. Born August 19, 1919 in Joliet, he was the son of the late Hugh Hamilton and Elizabeth Margaret (nee Maloney) Rowan. He served with the US Army Air Force during World War II from 1942-46, and was the recipient of the Decorated Bronze Star and numerous meritorious citations. His career with the Veterans Administration spanned 51 years. He retired in 1997 at the age of 78 as Director of the Central Alabama Veterans Health System in Montgomery, AL. He previously served as Director of Veterans Administration Hospitals in Lexington, KY, Buffalo, NY, and Manchester, NH, and also served as a hospital administration specialist with the VA Central Office in Washington, DC. John was a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of numerous national and state hospital associations. In addition he served on numerous boards, health planning agencies and advisory councils throughout the country. His meritorious service was acknowledged by the Veterans Administration, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Nursing Associations at both the national and state levels. His charitable service included the United Way, American Cancer Society, Hospitality House of Lexington, and others related to the concerns of older persons. He is survived by his son, Robert J. (Sandra) Rowan of Crosslakes, MN; his sister-in-law, Audrey (nee Boyle) Carey; nephews, Dennis Rowan, Joseph, Terrence and Kernon Gibes, Michael and Jeffrey Scholtes; and John William (Teresa) Carey; and nieces, Kathleen Brockett, Jane Balun, and Kimberly Schlegel and their families; and Susan Carey (Robert) Stevenson, and Carol Lynn Carey. He will be especially missed by grand-niece Meg Schlegel, who was like a granddaughter to him, and his dear friends in Alabama. He was preceded by his beloved wife, Ruth E. (nee Boyle) Rowan (May 21, 2001); his parents; brothers, Robert (Marjorie) and Raymond (Evelyn) Rowan; sisters, Mary (Joseph) Gibes and Lois (Donald) Scholtes; as well as nephews James Rowan, Lawrence Gibes and niece Angela Gibes. Funeral Services for John R. Rowan will be Monday, June 13, 2001 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. Patrick Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Patrick Church or Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated. Visitation MONDAY 8:30-9:15 a.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For Information 815-741-5500