Obituary: Myron E. LaRowe

Myron E. LaRowe, 83, of Reedsburg, was received by his Lord at 5:30 a.m. on March 10, 2023. He was resting comfortably at home in hospice care surrounded by his family and visited by friends. 

Myron was born on November 22, 1939 in Indianapolis, IN, the only child of Dale and Edith LaRowe (Parsons) and then raised in Kokomo, IN. He graduated from Kokomo High in 1957 and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). He earned a degree in political science and then entered law school at the UW. He met Rosemary Waeffler in1963 and they were wed in Evansville, WI on August 24th of that year. After receiving his law degree in 1965 he and Rosemary moved to Reedsburg where he began his career as a lawyer in the offices of Kjorstad and Stevens. In 1976 he and James Gerlach founded the firm LaRowe & Gerlach, S.C. at 110 Main Street. In 1979 he was elected as the President of the State Bar of Wisconsin. Subsequently, he continued to serve the Bar in many capacities including as president of the Senior Lawyers Division, member of the Board of Governors and delegate to the American Bar Association. After 53 year of practicing law, he reluctantly retired in 2018. In 2021 he was the inaugural recipient of the Wisconsin State Bar President’s Award for Lifetime Achievements and Contributions.

Myron was an active member in the community and with local service organizations. He served many years as a member of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, United Fund Radio Auction, Wisconsin Vacationland Alumni Club, Reedsburg Country Club (RCC) Property Owners Association, and Sauk County Revolving Loan Committee. He received a Certificate of Commendation by the Honorable Tommy G. Thompson for his dedication and commitment to the Reedsburg Community and the legal profession. He also served as the Reedsburg City Attorney for 18 years from 1968 to 1986. He and others chartered the Reedsburg Area Medical Center Foundation.

A member of St. John Lutheran Church since 1965, he served on the Church Council as President, co-Chairperson Capital Fund Drive, and as a delegate to the National Convention of The American Lutheran Church. He loved to serve as an usher and seated the congregation for worship. He was also a member of the group that chartered the St. John Lutheran Church Foundation.

An ardent supporter of Wisconsin Football & Basketball and the Green Bay Packers, he was a member of the Badger Boosters organization and long-time season ticket holder for both Badger Basketball & Football, as well as the Packers. He loved to spend time fishing, hunting, camping, and boating with family and friends as well as vacationing in Florida. He and Rosemary also enjoyed traveling and experienced many wonderful trips.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the RCC since 1965 and enjoyed spending time with friends and family on the course and in the clubhouse. He also served as president of the RCC Board of Directors and provided legal assistance for the expansion project that saw the club grow from nine holes to 18 with revenue derived from housing lot sales on the newly acquired property.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Rosemary (Waeffler); children: Mark, Helena, MT; Matt (Tammy Ferguson), Reedsburg, WI; Christopher (Tara) Sun Prairie, WI; Melinda (Dan) Brice, Evansville, WI. Grandchildren: Jack and Eva LaRowe, and Mia and Kara Brice, and several special cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank to the many health care professionals who helped him through his journey.

Myron leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to his Lord, church, family, friends and community.

A formal visitation will be held March 17, 2023 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Reedsburg on March 18 at 11 a.m. preceded by a visitation starting at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Private interment will be made in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Reedsburg. Suggested memorials are St. John Lutheran Church Foundation, Wisconsin Law Foundation and Reedsburg Area Medical Foundation.

A celebration of life will be held at the Reedsburg Country Club on April 15th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.