Dean Thomas Rowden

Dean Thomas Rowden passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025. Dean was born in Haverhill, NH, on August 23, 1928, the son of Henry and Kathleen (Gochey) Rowden. He grew up on the family farm in Ryegate, VT, where, with his brother and sister, as well as his “city cousins,” he acquired the purposeful work ethic that prepared him very well for his adult life.

Dean attended elementary and high school in Wells River, participating in the life of these small schools in many ways, including stints in dramatic and musical productions, and on the basketball team. He and other Wells River alumni were always ready to sing several verses of the school song! In 1946, he went to the University of Vermont, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Agriculture. Following graduation, he came home to the farm in Ryegate, but it wasn’t long before he answered the call to serve his country in the Army and was sent to Korea where he was seriously wounded in 1951. After recuperating, he finished his tour of duty at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he joked that his UVM degree really came in handy – he was made Hay Inspector for the Commander’s horses! Dean was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart prior to receiving an honorable discharge in 1952.

Back home in Vermont, Dean soon met and married Louise “Babe” Rosa. Earlier this year, Dean and Babe celebrated their 70th anniversary. Their family grew to five children, and they now have six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Family was always first with Dean and Babe, supporting each member in pursuing their educational, business, professional, sports, and creative interests and activities.

Dean had a varied and successful business career. From Rowden’s Dairy to the National Bank of Newbury, the VT Bankers Association, Ryegate Woodcrafters, Interstate Batteries, Robco, and Woodsville Guarantee Savings Bank. Dean applied his many talents, skills, and experiences, along with hard work – making a living while making a life. His creativity, thoughtful counsel, and example of perseverance when things go wrong inspired and benefited many others as they started and ran their businesses.

Over the years, Dean has been a Mason, a Rotarian, a member, deacon, and moderator for Wells River Congregational Church; Ryegate Town Meeting moderator and Selectman; school board member; volunteer fireman; and Justice of the Peace – in some cases serving for a decade or longer in his posts.

Dean was a true son of the Northeast Kingdom; a realist in the Vermont tradition – knowing that not everything that has to be done is fun, but that having a sense of purpose, joy, and humor makes work and life better.

Dean is survived by his wife of 70 years Louise “Babe” Rowden, his children Nancy (Tom Brock), Bill (Lisette), Barbara (Paul Beaulieu), Linda (Rob Torgesen), and Bob (Laurianne), his sister Jane Rowden Currier, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his extended family and many friends, neighbors, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Kathleen Rowden, and his brother, William Henry Rowden.

A funeral service will be held at the Wells River Congregational Church on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10 AM, followed by military honors at Wells River Cemetery on Bible Hill Road, and a reception.

Dean’s family would like to thank the many members of the community who have supported Dean and Babe and the entire family these past few weeks, and we particularly want to extend our gratitude to the amazing staff at Cottage Hospital and the Atkinson Residence.

To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com
Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.