Roanoke- Jean Edward Rowland, 89, of Metamora, IL formerly of Roanoke, passed away at 9:25 A.M. on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Snyder Village where he was a resident.

He was born on August 5, 1919 on a farm in Minonk a son of Paul E. and Henrietta Hinrichs Rowland. He married Betty Schoen on December 7, 1974. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Dr. Paul (Tess) Rowland of Bourbonnais, IL; Tom (Sherry) Schoen of Morton, IL; and six grandchildren, Christopher, Jenna, and Elizabeth Rowland; Meghan, Andrea, and John Schoen.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jean worked as a toolmaker for Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 38 years before his retirement in 1977.

An army veteran, he served his country with the United States Army during WWII spending four years in the South Pacific. He was a first class sergeant during the Korean War for two years.

Jean was a member of the National Rifle Association and the American Legion.

Visitation services will be held from 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home in Roanoke. Dr. Paul Rowland will give a eulogy at 7:30 P.M. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roanoke Ambulance Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnsonharris.com.