Noreen (Berns) Rowland

Obituary

            Noreen (Berns) Rowland, age 96, of Garnavillo, IA, passed away Friday, November 22, 2019, at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital in Guttenberg, IA.  She was born August 20, 1923, on the family farm to William and Lucretia (Walleser) Berns.

            Noreen received her education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Garnavillo High School graduating with the class of 1941.  She was the last living classmate.  Noreen went on to get her beauticians license at the Paris Academy in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Noreen and her dear friend, Marie Dickman, had a salon together for many years and Noreen retired after 52½ years in 1995. 

            On September 18, 1945, Noreen was united in marriage to Robert Rowland at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  They were blessed with 6 children, Cynthia, Steve, Tom, Doug, Jane and Melissa.  Noreen belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America, American Legion Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Rosary Society and she was a charter member of the Garnavillo Boosters & Garnavillo Historical Society.  She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, sitting on the front porch and being with her family when everyone could get together.

            Noreen leaves behind her children: Steve (Diane) of Guttenberg, Tom of Garnavillo, Doug (Cindy) of Ely, Jane (Dale) of Monona & Melissa (Art) of Garnavillo; 8 grandchildren, Jared (Teresa) Rowland & Shannon Rowland, Reed Radloff & Cydney (Adam) Jones, Matthew (Lauren) Rowland & Sarah (Mark Duncan) Rowland, Kristopher (Jackie) Oleson & Kory (Tayler) Oleson; 7 great grandchildren, Kaylee & Kaleb Rowland, Beckett Jones, Emmett & Lennon Rowland, Keaton & Kade Oleson and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

            Noreen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; daughter, Cindy; sisters, Inez, Florence, Bernadette, Cecil, Betty & Dorothy; brothers, Wilfred & Kenneth

            Noreen was the last living of her siblings & in laws.  Noreen was a wonderful person who liked to help others when she could.  She will be missed deeply & forever.