Thomas B. Rowe, 81, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 at Box Butte General Hospital.
He was born June 5, 1944 in Seattle, Washington to Carl and Mary Elizabeth Rowe.
Tom married Dorothy Ward in Rapid City, South Dakota, and spent 51 wonderful years together. In those years they built a life centered around family, friends, and the simple joys that meant the most to him.
Tom worked as a machinist for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 32 years, retiring in 2010. He proudly served six years in the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged.
He was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles Club, and the Eagle Riders Motorcycle Club.
Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, camping and playing cards with family. His yearly trips to Deerfield Lake in South Dakota were among his favorite traditions, where he spent countless hours fishing for trout.
Tom was a quiet and steady presence at family gatherings. He rarely missed coffee with friends at Treasured Grounds, grandchildren's sporting events, or school concerts. He especially loved playing cards at holidays and family meals, where “Grandpa's Rules” always seemed to apply.
The biggest joy of his life was spending time with and making gifts for his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Hemingford, children, Ben (Lee) Rowe of Bingham, NE, and Elizabeth (Karl) Zerck of Alliance, NE, and his six grandchildren, Wyatt Rowe, Skylor Rowe, Ty Rowe, Bry (Summar) Rowe, Kooper Zerck and Ember Zerck.
He is also survived by his brothers, Phill Calder and Ed Calder, mother-in-law, Bessie Ward, sisters-in-law, Mary (LeRoy) Adamson, Irene Sauder, and Alice (Terry) Robbins, brother-in-law, Robert (Shelia) Ward, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and his father-in-law, Bennie Ward.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hemingford American Legion Post #9. Private graveside services to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Hemingford American Legion Post No.9, or sent to Dorothy Rowe, P.O. Box 42, Hemingford, Nebraska, 69348.