With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, grandma and great grandma Charlene Ruth Rowin (Gates), who took her final breath at Oxbow Living Center – unafraid and with an open heart – surrounded by her loving family on October 27, 2026, at the age of 81. She was a woman, of extraordinary beauty, strength, and grace, she lived a full life as a force of nature – truly authentic.

Charlene was born on March 12, 1945 in Omaha, NE, to Royal and Evelyn Gates. She graduated from Omaha South High School in 1963 and earned her nursing degree from Immanual Nursing School in 1966. Charlene met the love of her life and sole-mate, John Rowin, in 1961 in Omaha, NE. Their story began as high school sweethearts and was filled with unwavering love, compassion, laughter, and many adventure throughout the years.

Charlene and her husband John, of 60 years, built a beautiful family and welcomed their two sons, Darryl and Douglas. As the family grew, they were blessed to welcome, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Shelby and Kyle (Jaileigh), and great-granddaughter Clara. Her favorite roles in life were that of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother & nurse. She found immense joy in caring for those she loved and never failed to make sure there were Oreo cookies stocked in the pantry for family and friends to enjoy.

For 42 years, Charlene worked in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where she touched countless lives, became a respected mentor to hundreds of new nurses and built a network of forever friends. Her teaching style was rooted in love, compassion, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Known for her versatility and willingness to help wherever needed, Charlene could seamlessly step into any nursing role during a busy shift. Her caring nature extended beyond patient care, even serving as the unit’s cook during severe Nebraska snowstorms when staff were stranded at the hospital. Charlene was proud to say she assisted in opening Midlands Hospital in Papillion NE.

Charlene had a love and passion for nature, animals, fishing, craft fairs, vacationing with her grandchildren, shopping; where she would find incredible sales, and planting her flower garden every spring. She loved decorating for every holiday especially setting up her Christmas Village. Charlene was a cheerleader in high school and sang in the choir. Charlene was extremely close with her family, especially her sister Marlene Polifka (Jim). Charlene is predeceased in death by her parents Royal and Evelyn Gates, and son Darryl Rowin.

Her spirit lives on in those she guided, nurtured, and cheered on. To know her was to be seen, to be remembered, and to be loved. She was, and always will be, a force to be reckoned with.

Funeral services will be held at Roeder Mortuary in Gretna, Nebraska. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:00 am. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at Anderson Cemetery in Bellevue, Nebraska, where Charlene will be laid to rest. A luncheon will follow at Journey Church in Gretna, Nebraska.

Charlene’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Oxbow Living Center and Hillcrest Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Source: https://obituaries.roedermortuary.com/charlene-r-rowin