Kathryn Rowe

Kathryn "Kathy" Jean (Meixner) Rowe, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Madison, WI. She was born on February 4, 1935, to Emil and Anna (Mueller) Meixner in Wisconsin.

Kathy graduated from DeForest High School in 1952. After high school, she began working for Hult's Chevrolet on East Washington Avenue in Madison, where she met Donald Rowe. The couple married on May 21, 1955, at North Windsor United Methodist Church. After the birth of their first child, Kathy left Hult’s to devote her time to raising their family. In 1967, she began working for the DeForest Area School District as a secretary to the guidance counselors, serving students and families until her retirement in 2000.

Kathy was a lifelong member of North Windsor United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years and faithfully played the organ for more than 60 years, retiring at the age of 80.

In retirement, Kathy especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, often inviting them over to bake Christmas cookies together. She and Donald also loved traveling to Branson twice a year for nearly 15 to 20 years, frequently making those trips special family vacations with their children and grandchildren.

Kathy was also known for her talent and generosity in crocheting beautiful doilies, which she lovingly made for wedding showers and gifted to each of her children and grandchildren over the years.

Kathy is survived by her children, Donna (Steven) Lindeman, Debbie "Debra" (Rodney) Abel, 5 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and other relative and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Donald; parents, siblings and a great grandchild.

Kathy's family would like to extend they're thanks to Kelly and her CNA'S for their extreme patience and care of Kathy during her time at Charter Assisted Living, and to Hailey and her team at Moments Hospice for their companionate care during Kathy's final days. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at North Windsor United Methodist Church, 7523 S Meixner Road, DeForest, WI. The visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church. Burial will take place at North Windsor Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at church. To avoids road closures and a ticket please take Co Rd V for ~ .20 miles, turn right onto Mueller Rd. and drive ~ 2.5 miles. Turn left onto S Meixner Rd.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made out to Moments Hospice, Charter of Madison Nursing Home or Badger Honor Flight Donate - Badger Honor Flight - Serving Those Who Served for US.

To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250