Apple River—Robert "Bob" W. Rowley, 75, of Apple River, IL passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at his home. He was born on January 15, 1940 to Laurentine and Lillian (Hawkinson) Rowley in Gratiot, WI. When Bob was younger, he farmed alongside his family, worked at Burmeister Implement, and he owned his own tractor repair shop. Bob took great pleasure in restoring old tractors and building mechanical equipment for his shop.

Bob is survived by his children Robert (Kelly) Rowley of Georgia, Barbara (Rick) Long of Madison, WI, Roger Rowely of Madison, WI, Rick Rowley of Missouri, Angie (Tim) Rowley of Warren, IL, Randy Rowley of Apple River, IL, Rosann (James) Bell of Freeport, IL, Crystal (Donald) Euler of Apple River, IL, and John Rowley of Darlington, WI; 20 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings Carl "Butch Rowley of Apple River, IL, and Carol (Terry) Hoeper of Benton, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers Arlo, Donnie, and Howard Rowley.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Apple River Event Center in Apple River, IL.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 until time of services on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Apple River Event Center.

Roger Carlson will officiate the services.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Monroe Hospice, Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, and the team at Dean Care and St. Mary Hospitals in Madison, WI.