Stephen Rowe

Stephen Rowe, age 73 of Garrett, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025.

Born to Charles and Gloria Rowe, he graduated from Garrett High School in 1970. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force.

After completing his service, he met Kathy Koons, a teacher at Garrett High School, and the two soon married.

He earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature and a PhD in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics. In his first year of graduate school he was awarded Mathematics Graduate Student of the Year—a tribute to both his talent and his work ethic.

Professionally fastidious, he was known among his professional peers for having the most organized and accessible electronic files, writing bulletproof algorithms, and being a wellspring of ideas.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, the ever-patient, ever-loving, and ever-joyful Kathy Koons Rowe. He also is survived by their son, Aaron (Nikki) Rowe of Auburn and six grandchildren, Matthias (Katie) Rowe, Paige Rowe, Libby (Aaron) Totten, Kate Rowe, Abigail Rowe, and Sophie Rowe. He also is survived by three sisters, Lael (Dan) Ice, Lynn (David) Reed, and Judy Rowe. He also is survived by his stepmother, JoAnne Rowe.

Stephen loved his communities (Garrett, Bloomington, Steuben County, Naperville-Chicago, and Auburn) and maintained an active and enthusiastic presence in them. He cast a familiar silhouette as he appeared without exception at their regular events.

Stephen was a singular figure. Endlessly curious and fun-loving, he sustained lifelong interests in nature, music, writing, books, art, fitness, and mindfulness. He led a life of wonder and intellectual discovery, always looking for ways to deepen the experience of living. He challenged those around him to be thoughtful, creative, and expressive. He was loved, and his sharp wit and quick laugh will be missed.

Sometimes misunderstood, on his surface he appeared to be a contradiction. Exceptionally accomplished and yet a careless rebel. But the connecting thread was his search for truth—the essence of life.

He passed on the eve of the winter solstice. To those who knew him, this connection to the earth’s patterns was fitting. He would have found this amusing. And in fact, one has to wonder if he was waiting for this perfect alignment of the earth to make his exit.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at McIntyre Place, 116 South Jackson Street in Auburn, Indiana. Visitation will begin one hour before the service. 

Memorial donations may be given to the Garrett Museum of Art, Post Office Box 29, Garrett, Indiana 46738, or alternatively plant a tree in his name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Homes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Rowe, please visit our floral store.