Janice Rowan

Janice Rowan, 95, of Silvis, IL passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. in Moline, IL. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Greenview Memorial Gardens in East Moline, IL following her services.

Born on November 23, 1930, on her family farm near Joslin, Illinois, Janice Ferkel was one of fourteen children born to Arthur and Bertha (Henricks) Ferkel. She was raised in a lively household alongside her six brothers and seven sisters.

Janice was united in marriage with Richard H. Rowan on October 12, 1957, in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they built a life rooted in love and raised five children. Richard preceded her in death on April 18, 2020.

Janice was an incredibly hardworking woman that rarely sat idle. She began her working years at Buddy L, where she dedicated 17 years, before continuing her career at La Petite Academy for 8 years. She later spent 12 years at Whitey’s Pie Company, often reminiscing about that time and sharing many of her delicious pie creations with her family for years afterward.

Janice’s greatest joy in life was her family. She took immense pride in being deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and treasured every moment spent together. She loved hosting weekly family dinners and holidays and was happiest when her home was filled with laughter and love of those she cherished. Janice will be lovingly remembered for the meals she so thoughtfully prepared, the pies and desserts she famously baked, and the meaningful conversations she shared with everyone around her.

Survivors include sons Thomas Rowan, Silvis, IL, Todd Rowan, Parker, CO and daughters Judy Krogman (James), Rock Island, IL and Mary Jo Johnson, Moline, IL. Her Grandchildren Ryan Rowan, Bree Wolf, Timothy Anders, Michael Krogman, Anna Catour, Nathan Catour, Olivia Frantzen, Chelsea Rowan, Clayton Rowan, Dustin Johnson, Caleb Rowan, Kamryn Rowan. Along with sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rowan, son Michael “Rick” Rowan, and all 13 of her siblings: brothers Wallace Ferkel, Russel Ferkel, Leroy Ferkel, Ronald Ferkel, Donald Ferkel, Clifford Ferkel and sisters Shirley Ferkel, Alberta Hinkhouse, Leone Thode, Evelyn Immosoete, Delores Boyd, Roseann Walters, and Ethel VanDeWoestyne.

The family extends a special thank you to the nurses and aides at UnityPoint Hospice for their exceptional care and support.

Memories may be shared at esterdahl.com.