ALMA ELIZABETH ROWE, age 93, of Luverne, died Sunday, February 12, 2017,  at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.  She was born March 1, 1923, in Olney Township, to Joseph and Mary (Honermann) Heitkamp. She attended St. Adrian Parochial School.

   Alma married Burdell Rowe on September 7, 1943, at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian.  This marriage was blessed with two children.  The couple made their home on a farm near Little Rock Township until 1948, when they moved to Luverne.  Alma spent many years actively involved in her husband’s auction business as a sales clerk and office manager.  She worked for many years helping with his business and showing & training horses.

   She was the last charter officer of the Mrs. Jaycees in Luverne.  Alma served as Vice President of St. Catherine’s LCCW in 1953 and was President in 1954.  She began working for Dr. F.R. Bertrand, DDS in 1958, as a dental assistant and bookkeeper until his retirement in 1980.  The practice was purchased by Dr. David Paquette, and Alma continued to work for him until her retirement in 1995.

   Upon her retirement, Alma became very active in Luverne Senior Citizens and Senior Dining along with Burdell.  She was an active member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne.  Alma crocheted hundreds of rugs of various sizes, many as large as a room.  She had a great interest in sports of all kind, especially those involving her children and grandchildren.  One of her wishes was to have her great grandchildren nearer in order to enjoy them more.

   Alma is survived by her son, Joe (Carrie) Rowe, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Shirley (Bob) Vanden Hoek, Edina; six grandchildren, Christine (Joe) Wallraf, Paul (Melissa) Vanden Hoek, Kate (Jim) Glogowski, Mary (Bob) Taylor, Megan (Luke) Morrison and Kelly (Chris) Peterson; thirteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Burdell Rowe on February 23, 2016; seven brothers, Henry, Anthony, Albert, Edward, Lawrence, Bernard & Joseph Heitkamp; and three sisters, Bertha Kunkel, Viola Hamman & Agnes.

   A time of fellowship will be from 5-8 pm Friday, with Parish Prayers at 7:30 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; fellowship also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am Saturday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Fr. Thomas Jennings. Burial of cremains will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery.

   To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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