"So very sorry to learn this sad news. Jack and I played Harry and Doris McAfee in Bye, Bye, Birdie in 1967. He was so talented, always kind and funny! After the high school play was over, he presented me with an engraved charm bracelet. The round gold disc read, "Bye Bye Birdie 67" on one side and "Harry" on the other. What 17 year old boy thinks of such lovely things to do? Jack Stowe, that's who. What a gentleman, even at age 17. Maybe Jack had a hand in divine providence...I moved recently and after all these years, just found this bracelet. I put it near to wear to our reunion in September and hopefully reminisce with Jack. I am wearing it now as I write this with gratitude for knowing him, prayers for his loved ones and faith that we will all be reunited one day. What a musical blowout that will be! Blessings. Susan Feightner"
In loving memory of
Jack E. Stowe, Jr.
June 8, 1949 - May 19, 2018
Jack E. Stowe, Jr., 68, of Gladbrook, IA, passed away from complications following cardiac surgery on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA. Cremation rites were accorded. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018, at the Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown, IA. Arrangements were entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Jack was born on June 8, 1949, in Keokuk, IA, and was immediately adopted by Jack and Gladys (Speake) Stowe. He grew up in Fort Madison, IA, where he graduated from high school in 1967. Jack continued his education at the University of Iowa where he received his B.A. in Political Science in 1971. He was united in marriage to Mary Gayle Meyers on June 14, 1971, in Grundy Center, IA. He worked for Radio Shack and Kelly Home Furniture in Fort Dodge, IA, after college. Jack started his career in Substance Abuse administration in 1977, when he was hired to be Administrative Assistant for the North Central Alcoholism Research Foundation in Fort Dodge. In October 1980, he was hired as the first Executive Director of the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa (SATUCI). Jack served on the Iowa Substance Abuse Commission and as President of the Iowa Substance Abuse Program Directors Association. He retired from SATUCI in October 2015 after 38 years of dedicated service to the field of community-based Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention. During his lifetime, he resided in Fort Madison, Iowa City, Fort Dodge, Paton, and Gladbrook, Iowa. Jack's passion was music and he played his guitar almost every day. He played in many weekend bands starting while he was in high school, including Scandal, Jetstream, Sirvells, Steamrollers, Back Beats, Prairie Lightning, The Other Band, and The Vinyl Frontier. Jack especially enjoyed playing rock and roll with his friends from high school at their class reunions. After he retired, Jack shared his stories and song lists at many local nursing homes, along with his friend, Joan Greufe, as the duo Jack and Joan. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and his proudest achievement was knowing that he had helped to create an amazing and supportive family.
Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Gayle; daughter Jennifer Cooper (Dennis) of West Branch, IA; sons Forrest (Kara) Stowe of Cedar Falls, IA, and Kent (Emily) Stowe of Waterloo, IA; grandchildren Isabelle Raghavan and George Cooper of West Branch and Anders and Forrest James Stowe of Cedar Falls; and sister-in-law Susan (Michael) Ward of Waterloo. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Stowe and Gladys McMillan, and stepmother Sally Stowe.
The family extends its gratitude to the many amazing and caring doctors, nurses, and support staff at both Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo and the Surgical and Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their efforts and support during Jack's final weeks.
Tributes
" Bob/Sherry Ayala May 30 2018 Jack played in the band "SirVells" for 20 years from 1980-2000 .I loved his humor and talent, he was a great contribution to the group. He will be greatly missed.Our hearts go out to his family. "
"I first met Jack in jr. high, always fun to be around,and always in a good mood. I remember him singing The House of the Rising Sun with his band at the Americana Bowling alley. I got to reconnect with him at our high school reunions. He always told a great story, but was just as interested in what you were doing. RIP dear Jack, you will be missed by all who knew you! My warmest hugs to his family! Peggy Muntz Patton FMHS 1967"
"I'll always remember Jack's smile and his musical talent! He created such positive energy at our high school dances and class reunions in Ft. Madison, Iowa! I guess I didn't know that Jack worked in substance abuse. I did also, for several years, during my career as an educator. I worked on an experimental treatment program for the Center for Perinatal Addiction in Richmond, VA, treating women during pregnancy and post-partum. Difficult but rewarding work! Anyway, I believe Jack will now join the rock-and-roll band in Heaven. He'll relay the same positive smile and musical energy into eternity! Condolences to Jack's family and friends, Jane (Hershire) Terpstra FMHS Class of 1967"
"Words fail me... Jack was one-of-a-kind, and he is irreplaceable. I will miss his clever wit, his incredible knowledge of music, his overabundance of talent, and his miriad of interesting and entertaining stories; I will always admire his devotion to his family and to his musical family. As someone who possessed genius-level intelligence, I never knew him to look down on anyone; as a musician, he could always be counted on-- if there was music to be made, Jack would be there. And no one can ever surpass his ability to fulfill song requests. His Vinyl Frontier bandmates-- Rick, Joel, and I--- will miss him terribly. You left us much too soon, Maestro... "
"Over the years I would greet Jack with the moniker "YO! Stowe"! And, he called me, "Jim Bob". I'm going to miss Jack's sense of humor, upbeat personality, his knack of recalling numerous songs and artists, and sharing his stories of life. Rest In Peace! "
"Words can never express what Jack has meant to so many people. Several times he filled in for me when I needed a guitar player / performer for my group. If it was an opportunity to perform he was right there. He is and will always be missed by everyone he knew. Thank you Jack for all you have done for so many people. Jeanie and Abe Conrads"
"Jack's family, My Deepest and Sincere Sympathy to you in the loss of your loved one. You are in my prayers and thoughts at this time. The LORD be with you at this time with comfort and peace and the days ahead treasure the memories. Enjoyed listening to Jack and Joan when they were playing at the nursing homes and enjoyed dancing to Vinyl Frontier where Jack and the band was playing."
"We were so surprised to hear that Jack passed away. We extend our sympathy to all the family. We loved going to dances where Jack played. We are not dancing much now, Lloyd did turn 90 yrs old last month. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, will look forward to dancing with you in our next home! With love, Lloyd & Helen Haynes"
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)"
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)"
""I just wanted to say that I haven't met a nicer guy to work with & make music with.. he shared a true love of music & fine instruments... he will be greatly missed!!"
"Mary Gayle and Family, words can never express the feelings we are going thru at this time. Our stage was so empty without Jack there Saturday Night. Jack was such a great friend, musician just an all around great man. His loss will be felt by hundreds. From the Whole group and fans of the Lighthouse Opry Barn Dance we extend our prayers and love for all of you. Keep up the music Jack until we can all play together again. God Bless Marcia Burgess"
"So very sad to hear this. Jack was a wonderful man and I so enjoyed hearing him on the bandstand in Garwin. Mary Gayle and family please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Jack, you will be missed greatly. "
"I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. The God of all comfort will help you to cope during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:4)"
"Sad to hear this news of Jack who always seemed larger than life to me when I knew him the 15 years I worked at the Blanden Art Museum, he would come in to see what was going on, talk to my boss Steve And then a few years later Jack was a good friend of ours, a periodic houseguest as he played in a band, I watched his kids from afar, and remember him telling stories about Kenny as a baby, he always made us laugh, I bought a guitar from Jack, a nice one, he and Herbie is played music for my art exhibit reception in Ames when I left dodge and went to grad school, I also recall when Jack Mary Gayle and the kids came to see David and I in our tipi one summer weekend near Jefferson, for a cookout, he loved good food, good cars and good music, and his family, not necessarily in that order, Rest In Peace Jack, there is more music to be made, in your honor. "
"Sad to hear this news of Jack who always seemed larger than life to me when I knew him the 15 years I worked at the Blanden Art Museum, he would come in to see what was going on, talk to my boss Steve And then a few years later Jack was a good friend of ours, a periodic houseguest as he played in a band, I watched his kids from afar, and remember him telling stories about Kenny as a baby, he always made us laugh, I bought a guitar from Jack, a nice one, he and Herbie is played music for my art exhibit reception in Ames when I left dodge and went to grad school, I also recall when Jack Mary Gayle and the kids came to see David and I in our tipi one summer weekend near Jefferson, for a cookout, he loved good food, good cars and good music, and his family, not necessarily in that order, Rest In Peace Jack, there is more music to be made, in your honor. "