Gib Rowe, 83, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2019 at River Valley Estates in Yuma, AZ. He battled Alzheimer's disease for 5 years in addition to his care at RVE, Hospice Compassus of Yuma and two personal caregivers lovingly assisted him. Gib was born on July 24, 1936 in Terre Haute, IN to Gilbert Whitaker and Myrtle Ruth Schafer, the youngest with 3 older Sisters. He attended Glenn High School in Terre Haute and Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, TN. He was a graduate of Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. Gib served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and in the Army Reserves for 11 years obtaining the rank of Major. In 1960 Gib began his career with Hormel Foods in Austin, MN and retires as a district manager of the meat products division after 36 years.

On August 4, 1978 he married Marlene Krautkremer and they were happily married for 42 years. They lived in Prior Lake MN, Grand Rapids, MN and Aitkin, MN and began Wintering in Yuma, AZ in 1999. Splitting time between Grand Rapids, Aitkin and Yuma they became permanent residents in Yuma Country Roads RV Resort in 2017. While in Grand Rapids he attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus and pro-life activities. Gib had a strong faith and was most positive thinker. At Country Roads he was active as past president of the CR Home Owners Board, past president of the CR Tennis Club, member of the computer club, member of CR Men's Fellowship which he loved dearly, a volunteer for the Home for the Troops committee and a Yuma Community Food Bank volunteer. Gib was an avid bike rider, tennis player and water skier. He enjoyed many fishing events with friends and family.

Gib is survived by his wife Marlene and 6 children: Cheryl Koch, Sally Daniels, Gib Rowe, III, Garry Rowe and step Daughters Jill Keddy, Julie White and their spouses, 14 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews. Preceded in death by his Parents, Sisters: Dorothy Hickert, Esther Smith and Rose Thompson.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Yuma Community Food Bank or Mass memorials at St. John Neumann Church in Yuma, Arizona.