Jack Rowse, 90, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2016, at Primrose Retirement Community of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Jack was born in Ignacio, Colorado and raised on a sheep ranch in the mountains.  It was here his passion for hunting and fishing was developed and his skills honed that would follow him through the remainder of his life.  In January 1944, Jack followed his brother Lewis by enlisting in the Navy and served in World War II until May 1946.  He was stationed in the Pacific where he served as a signalman and pilot of troop landing (LCI) vessels on many of the initial Island landings. He was honorably discharged in May 1946.  His brother was a casualty of war.

He returned to Ignacio, Colorado following the war and in April of 1947, married his wife Margaret Flack.  Soon after, he went to work with the Bureau of Reclamation and made a career in surveys. Jack and Margaret had two children, Glenwood and David.  The family came to Nebraska in January 1961 when Jack transferred to Valentine to work on the construction of Merritt dam and irrigation system.  They lived first in Valentine and then Ainsworth before transferring to the central office in Grand Island in 1967, from which he retired in 1985. Jack enjoyed his retirement gardening, golfing, playing pool, fishing and hunting well into his mid 80's.

Margaret passed in 2007 and Jack remarried in 2009 to Nina Stirn.  Nina has four children and many grand children who opened their family to Jack and made him feel very welcomed and loved.  He felt truly blessed to have been a part of their family.

Jack is survived by his sister, Carol West, of Sacramento, California, her children and grandchildren, as well as his deceased sisters Elsie, Pearl and Sandy's families, his nieces and nephews.  Also surviving is his wife, Nina Stirn, her children, Allen, Ken, Steve and Sandra and their families, and his sons Glen and David and their families.

Jack will be remembered by all the members of these families and many friends for his warm and caring manner, good will, and especially his strength of character and dedication to Margaret and Nina.

The family requests no flowers or gifts, but words of comfort and kindness may be sent to Nina Stirn at 3990 West Capital Avenue, Apt. 229, Grand Island, Nebraska 68803.