Neal C. Rowett passed away on Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2026. He was born in Sturgis, South Dakota, on February 15, 1929. Neal grew up on the family farm east of Sturgis. He attended the Middle Alkali School through the 8th grade and then boarded in Sturgis, where he attended Sturgis High School and graduated in 1947. He attended college at SD State in Brookings. On September 24, 1950, Neal married Elaine Ingalls in Sturgis; they have been married for over 75 years. After several successful careers, he and Elaine enjoyed delivering motorhomes from factories to dealerships across the lower 48, Alaska, and Canada. They have also enjoyed several trips to foreign countries.

Neal served as Meade County Commissioner for several years; one of his proudest accomplishments was founding Bear Butte Valley Water District. Many are benefiting from his perseverance in this project. Neal and Elaine moved to Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis in late December 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 75+ years, Elaine; four children: Thomas (Janice), Spearfish; Janie (Lonnie) Humbracht, Spearfish; Clair, Sturgis; and Ross (Judy) Eniat, Washington; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Proceeding him in death are a daughter, Kathy Laine Rowett; two brothers, Joe Rowett and Tuck Rowett; and daughter-in-law, Elaine Cammack Rowett.