Karlene K. Rowe

She is survived by her son, Rick Rowe, and his wife Linda, and her daughter, Richelle “Shelly” Rowe Pirkle. G’Ma leaves behind three adored grandchildren who were the absolute center of her world: Stanford Rowe and his wife Stephanie; Maxwell Rowe and his wife Samantha; and Abigale Pirkle. She loved them fiercely, bragged about them endlessly, and never missed a chance to make sure they knew exactly what she thought.

Karlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years, H. Dean Rowe, FAIA—the love of her life, along with her parents, Henry and Gertrude Kuxhausen, and her brother, Keith Kuxhausen.

Born June 9, 1937, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Karlene was proudly German, unapologetically feisty, and famously stubborn. She possessed a strong will like her father, a sharp wit like her mother, and a determination that served her well throughout a life that rarely slowed down. As a child, she traveled extensively with her family as they followed her father’s career living in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming, Texas, California, Minnesota, and Missouri, an upbringing that shaped her independence and resilience.

She graduated from high school in Torrington, Wyoming, where she met Dean. From the moment she met him, she knew, and she was rarely wrong. Karlene followed Dean to the University of Nebraska, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and proudly joked that she earned her “MRS.” degree, a role she embraced with loyalty, strength, and devotion.

Karlene and Dean were married on September 2, 1956, in Henry, Nebraska. Their son Rick was born in 1957 while Dean completed architecture school. After graduation, Karlene’s parents, by then living in Tampa, gifted the couple a trip to Florida, where the Sarasota School of Architecture was flourishing. That trip changed the course of their lives.

In 1958, Karlene and Dean settled permanently in Tampa, making their home in “Original” Carrollwood. Their daughter Shelly was born in 1959. Karlene was deeply involved in the community, serving as an active member of the Carrollwood Civic Association and as PTA president at Carrollwood Elementary School, Adams Junior High School, and Chamberlain High School. She also held leadership roles in the Tampa Lakes Junior Women’s Club, the Mother’s March of Dimes, and Las Damas de Arte as well serving as a Guardian ad Litem.

Never one to sit still, or quietly, Karlene embraced her next chapter as an empty nester with the same determination that defined her life. In 1975, she and a good friend opened The Loading Dock Sandwich Pub in downtown Tampa. What began as a bold new venture became a local institution, operating for more than 30 years and, at one time, standing as one of the oldest restaurants in downtown Tampa. The Loading Dock reflected Karlene herself: welcoming, strong-willed, well-run, and impossible to forget.

Karlene and Dean’s life was centered on family, friends, architecture and Porsches. They traveled extensively to various architectural and Porsche events throughout the country. At home, Karlene was known for her deep love of dogs, her unwavering opinions, her legendary stubborn streak, and her enjoyment of a properly made screwdriver cocktail, preferably while holding court and saying exactly what everyone else was thinking. She was strong, loyal, loving, and unforgettable.

A celebration of Karlene’s life will be held on February 17th from 4PM -7PM at the Original Carrollwood Civic Center, 3515 McFarland Road, Tampa, 33618. You know what the signature cocktail will be!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karlene’s memory to the H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Scholarship by clicking below or checks mailed to the USF School of Architecture & Community Design. 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, HMS 301, Tampa, FL 33620.