John A Stow

Sparta, WI John A. Stow, 73, of Sparta, WI, died on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born September 5, 1940, in Winona, MN to Hale and Emgert (Stephan) Stow and graduated from Winona High School. John later earned both his Bachelor and Masters Degree from Winona State University. In 1962 he began a 35 year teaching career at Sparta Senior High School. John was proud to have taught students in math, science, computer programming and physics until his retirement in 1997. On August 18, 1962 he married Judy Johnson, together they had two daughters, Janie and Jennifer, and were later divorced. John later married Cecile (Hartley) Rowell on June 20, 1986, in Nashua, IA. He was a member of the Western Air Flying Club in Sparta and also enjoyed his model train collection, traveling and old cars. John was known to many as Mr. Fix-it because of his uncanny talent of being able to fix just about anything. In addition to his wife Cecile of Sparta; John is survived by his children: Janie (Brad) Lundstrom, Sr., Jennifer (Steve) Brandt both of Holmen, Nancy (David) Hebior of Kenosha, WI; Randy (DeeDee) Rowell of Rockland, WI and Jeff (Stephanie) Rowell of Sparta; 8 grandchildren, Matthew, Bradley, Jr., Randee Leigh, Lindsey, Shelby, Alyssa, Signe and Jada; a brother, Ray (Joyce) Stow of Marion, IA; a sister-in-law, Diane Stow of Winona, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald Stow and his beloved cat, Silky. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 9th at the Sparta United Methodist Church, 210 N. Court Street with Rev. Rey Diaz officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sparta. Friends and family may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse on Sunday from 4-6 P.M. and again on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.