Obituary: Kenneth John “KJ” Rowe

On January 21, 2019, Kenneth John (“KJ”) Rowe, of Dollar Bay, MI, left the bonds of this earth and the physical limitations of his body to join his Maker, passing away peacefully at the Omega House with his family by his side.

KJ was born in Wheatridge, CO, the first born of David and Mary (Peterson) Rowe. Shortly after birth, KJ was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. KJ did not allow a grave prognosis to deter his will to live and thrive. KJ spent the first five years of his life in the mountains west of Golden, CO. He enjoyed watching elk and mule deer roam through his yard and feeding fish in the pond at the end of his valley. KJ and his family returned to the Copper Country, where he attended Calumet schools from kindergarten through grade 5. His infectious smile and keen sense of humor earned him many friends amongst classmates and teachers, who remember him to this day. KJ then transferred to the Copper Country Intermediate School District, where he earned a certificate of completion in October, 2018.

KJ loved adventure. He enjoyed jumping off his dock and swimming in Portage Lake. So much so, that one of his parents frequently had to swim after him to get him to come in. KJ loved to drive dad’s boat and being towed in his kayak by his mom paddling in front of him. On Grandpa’s farm, he enjoyed riding the 4-wheeler and picking fresh strawberries – although few made it into the pail for later consumption. He developed great skill at building various figures, like Santa, the Grinch and reindeer, with his Legos. He watched his favorite videos (Blue’s Clues, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, Elf and others) over and over again. KJ was adept at surfing the web to find pictures of his favorite cartoon characters. He enjoyed watching his sister’s ski races and soccer games, and his little brother’s hockey and soccer. KJ was loved and well cared for by Miss Bunny, Lizzy, Jocelyn, Juliana, Laura, Aunt Steph, Jen, Grandma Chris, Grandpa Clown, and many other wonderful people that entered his life.

KJ is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dr. Kenneth E. and Margaret M. Rowe of Calumet. KJ is survived by his parents, David and Mary (Peterson) Rowe, brother Matthew and sister Sarah, of Dollar Bay, and his grandparents Jerry and Mary Kaye (Bradle) Peterson of Ashland, WI, and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be on Friday January 25, 2019 from 4:00 pm -7:00 PM at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, and on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am. A funeral service to be held at 11am on Saturday, January 26, at the Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay with Pastor Brian Knight to officiate. A fellowship and dinner to follow in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations are gratefully accepted in KJ’s memory at Bethany Baptist Church NG Fund, 48544 Main Street,Dollar Bay, MI 49922, or the Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.