Neil C. Rowe

Neil C. Rowe passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

He was born September 12, 1934, in Cavalier, ND, the son of John E. Rowe and Edna Mae (Saunders) Rowe. Neil graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1952. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean War from 1952-1956. He graduated from UND with a BSBA Degree in 1960.

Neil married Cleo F. Legg on June 6, 1959, in Wesley United Methodist Church in Grand Forks. Neil worked for the Social Security Administration from March 1961 until December 1988 as a field claims representative.

Neil was very active in the Masonic Fraternity most of his adult life. He served as Worshipful Master of Acacia Lodge #4, Grand Forks in 1972. He served as Secretary and Almoner of the Grand Forks Scottish Rite Bodies for many years. He was coroneted a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason on December 10, 1983. He was active in Kem Drum and Bugle Corps, the KEM Ritual Divan, and the Valley Shrine Club. Also a member of American Legion Post #157, EGF and a Life Member of VGW Post #3817, EGF, and a Life Member of DAV Post #2, Grand Forks. Neil was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Neil was Worthy Patron of Acacia Chapter #12, Order of Eastern Star in 1983. He served as State Rainbow Dad in 1991-1992 and was designated a Grand Cross of Color in in 1993 by the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.

Neil was honored to serve as the 105th Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota 1993-1994.

Neil and Cleo spent many summers at their lake home on Maple Lake, where they enjoyed visits by family and friends. After retirement they spent 10 winters in Alamo, Texas, and 11 winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Neil is survived by his wife Cleo of 66 years; sons, Jack (Cheri) of Arizona, and Glen of Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jack (Michela), and Jennifer; great granddaughter, Emory; a brother, John E. (Marguarite), of Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Wayne, Harold, and Lloyd, and a granddaughter, Christy Rowe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Shrine Hospitals for Children.

Memorial Services followed by Masonic Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Zion United Methodist Church, Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment with military honors will follow in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral and Cremation Service, Grand Forks.