Rowan Curtis Belknap

Rowan Curtis Belknap, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Rowan is survived by Karen, his beloved wife of 66 years, and their four children: Cindy (Cully) Olmanson, Barbara (Chris Beuthien), Daniel (Michel), and Kathryn Belknap. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Alex (Suzanne), Chris, Nick (Emily), Jack, and Ellie Olmanson; Zachary and Sam Hamshari; and Ben and Paulina Belknap. Rowan was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dean Belknap. Born on June 10, 1936, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to E. Clinton and Mildred Pearl (Breniman) Belknap, Rowan moved with his family to Lincoln when he was in third grade. Growing up, he played piano and collected stamps. He excelled in baseball, playing varsity outfield for his high school team "The Links" and later, on a Nebraska farm team. At Lincoln High School, he met the love of his life, Karen Ann Hermanson, in chemistry class, when he was a senior and she was a junior. Both attended the University of Nebraska. They married on August 16, 1958. He graduated with both a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1960 from The University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He began his professional career as a Chemical Engineer for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), and they began their family. Rowan remained with the 3M Company for 36 years, beginning in St. Paul, Minnesota, with stints in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas. In 1973, Rowan was promoted to Plant Manager at 3M's Magnetic Products (recording, not sticky, tape) plant in Caserta, Italy, near Naples. He and Karen embraced the experience of living abroad with their four children, forming lifelong friendships and deep connections to the local culture. Rowan was a true outdoorsman, with a deep love of fishing, duck hunting, and skiing. His spirit resides in the mountains of Colorado, a magical place of renewal for Rowan and Karen. His impeccable sense of style was evident in his extensive tie, shoe, and plaid shirt collections, which reflect his passion for fashion. A lover of the arts, Rowan had a particular fondness for music and theater, from opera and Broadway shows to Bluegrass. Above all, he cherished his roles as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, embodying integrity, hard work, and love in all he did. A dedicated church member and community leader, Rowan offered wisdom and guidance to many, always leading by example. Rowan's love and dedication to his family never wavered. He remained deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, and his love for Karen was an inspiration to all who knew them. A Celebration of Life will take place at Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum on Saturday, October 19th, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. All are welcome to join us at 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis. The family would like to thank the staff at both Beacon Hill and The Glenn Minnetonka as well as the Interim Health Hospice Team for their kindness and care.

Tributes

Rowan Curtis Belknap

June 10, 1936 - August 29, 2024

Tributes

Rowan Curtis Belknap

June 10, 1936 - August 29, 2024

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