Obituary: Anita Rowley

After a long battle with dementia, Anita Rowley quietly passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2015. She was born in La Crosse on May 30, 1936 to Emil and Anna Henke.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Linnea Wiersgalla, her sister, Marcella Schied and her brothers Roger and Norman (Cynthia) Henke. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine (Jeff) Giffin, and their daughter, Amanda., and also Herman Wiersgalla , widower of Linnea Wiersgalla and Jamie Nichols , grandson. In addition there are many cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Anita worked for many years at Gundersen Clinic where she made a great many friends. In 2013, Anita was admitted to Anna’s House in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Everyone who knew her could feel what a special person Anita was. She was affectionately known as “The Mother Hen ” to many who knew her .

In her honor a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 21st, at Woodlawn Cemetery in La Crosse. A celebration of Anita’s life will be scheduled in the near future for friends and relatives. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family. Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.

Katherine and the rest of the family would like to express a very heartfelt thank you to the staff at Anna’s House of Sturgeon Bay for the love and compassion they provided to Anita during her stay. They truly became her family, and we consider them a part of our extended family. They will always hold a special place in our hearts. God bless them.