If you say the name Jan Rowen in Eagle Grove, most people know who you are talking about. Whether you met her behind the counter of her family’s store, J&S Sports, saw her directing traffic in the middle of the street when the fire trucks were called out, or saw her in the stands of any number of Eagle Grove Sporting events, you know she was a lover of all things Eagle Grove…especially the kids.
Alana (Amonson) Alt was one of those kids who Rowen made a lasting impression on as a student. Alt worked for her at J&J Sports while she was in both high school and college.
“She helped me personally grow in my work skills, independence, and customer service while I worked for her…and I wanted to do something to give back to her, something that would be for this community and help us never forget the impact she had,” Alt said.
That’s when she came across a social media post from John Kauffman about benches he had made.
“I decided that would be a great way to support a small business and give Jan the recognition she deserved,” explained Alt.
“I’ve been building benches off and on all summer,” said Kauffman. “It takes a few days to make…and then Megan Larson is my talented painter.”
When Alt shared her idea about having a bench made in Rowen’s memory with others in the Eagle Grove Area School District, numerous staff members from all three buildings chipped in to make it possible. They decided on an Eagle’s theme to honor her love of supporting the Eagle’s in all their endeavors. Originally, Alt thought about putting the bench somewhere in the downtown area so that people would be reminded of Rowen while they were shopping in Eagle Grove. Although members of City Hall also thought this would be a great idea, they did raise some concern with the downtown revitalization project that it might not be the best time to put it there. Alt agreed and has gone on to Plan B.
Instead of downtown, they chose another favorite place of Rowen’s – the ballfields at Greenwood Park. A specific location has not been designated yet. That will ultimately be the decision of Eagle Grove Schools Athletic Director Richard Thacker, but there have been several good suggestions made.
“I would love to have it in the outfield because that’s where she sat, but I think it would get more use/more people would see it if it were closer to the concession stand,” said Alt. “There was also an idea thrown around that maybe it could be placed next to the dugout and auction the spot for a Sports Boosters donation/fundraiser.”
For the meantime, to keep the bench protected from the winter elements, it will be housed in the front area of Eagle Grove Elementary until next summer. Kauffman delivered the bench there last week, which marked the one year anniversary of her passing.
“We all sure miss Jan,” said Kauffman.
“Jan had a tremendous impact on the Eagle Grove schools. She was always the first to donate to students who needed extra school supplies, warm clothes, etc. With her making all the parks and rec shirts, she was always working with people who were involved with the school. She would give groups good deals on the shirts so that they could then charge more and use them as a fundraiser. She was also always very supportive with donating her own time, money, or products to events that the school put on. She made many staff shirts as well,” reminisced Alt about her friend Jan who left a big impact in this small town.
