Memorial

Rowe C Zehms Jr, 86 of. Cedar Rapids, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior August 9, 2022 at the age of 86. Services: August 20th, 10:00am at Grace Episcopal, visitation: August 19, 4:00 - 7:00 at Cedar Memorial. A Masonic service by Crescent Lodge No. 25 A.F. & A.M. will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20 at Grace Episcopal Church. Burial: Cedar Memorial Cemetery. 

Rowe’s life journey was the embodiment of his greatest loves; family, God, and the outdoors.

Rowe’s wife of 54 years, Joan Lee Koucky Zehms passed away in 2013. Survivors include their four children; Margaret Stephen (Dave), Mary Smith (Justin), Linda Hanover (Randy), and John Zehms; grandchildren; Anne Miller, Dustin Enos, Michelle Gorman (Nate), Isaac Zehms, Emma Zehms, Donavan Smith, Carlee Smith, Penny Hanover, great grandchildren; Ethan Orton, Reign Miller, Skye Gorman, Noah Gorman, and Aura Taylor.

Rowe was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for almost 80 years serving God and the congregation in many capacities often talking about his love for Jesus. He took pride in being a 32 degree mason, President of Iowa Wanders chapter of NCHA, co-owner of Mckern Security Agency , long time employee for Cherry Burrell, member UAW and American Legion Post 0298, Sergeant in the Army reserves.

Rowe’s love of nature was so contagious that his influence can be seen in multiple generations of youth across several states In the areas of ornithology, fishing, camping, and ecology. Rowe and Joan were the first husband and wife Girl Scout Leaders in Iowa. Rowe was influential in getting an educational bird blind constructed at Izaak Walton League, and kept decades of bird count records.

Fitting that at the time of his passing a cardinal was seen perched on the feeder outside his room, a symbolic reminder of his never fading love for Joan and his birds.