Richard J. Rowland

Richard Joel Rowland, age 91, passed away on March 23, 2025, in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Born on November 29, 1933, in his grandfather’s home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Richard began his life with 17 family members in the home during the Great Depression. He attended school in Columbia Heights until his family moved to their own home on Cahill Road in Edina, where he attended the one-room Cahill Schoolhouse, grades 5-7. He later attended Jr. High in St. Louis Park and graduated from the then-new Morningside Edina High School. In 1956, he became the first in his family to earn a college degree, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business. Above all else, Richard valued time spent with family and friends. While at the U of M, he met Patricia Zimmerman and knew she was “the one.” He often said, “Marrying Patricia was the greatest joy of my life.” He held dear the time he shared with her. “When you love someone,” he said, “and they love you—it is an amazing thing in life.” Drafted into the U.S. Army on December 9, 1956, Richard had to wait to marry Patricia, which he happily did July 2,1957 while on leave. They moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Richard served at the base in Fort Chaffee, through 1958. They started their family there. Remaining in the reserves for five more years, he received an honorable discharge in 1963. Richard provided for his wife and family of 4 children by working a 30-year career at Honeywell in the Aerospace and Defense Divisions, contributing to areas including production planning, marketing, contract administration, and supervisory management. He took special pride in his involvement with the Apollo Aerospace program. Richard retired in 1990. Faith was a cornerstone of Richard’s life. After marrying Patricia Zimmerman, they became devoted members of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, where they made many friends and he served as a Deacon and Stephen’s Minister. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on a building trip to New Orleans with Pat and daughter, Anna. Richard’s service to the community extended beyond the church walls. He was active in grassroots politics and civic organizations such as Y.M.C.A and Scouting programs. He participated in Marriage Encounter and volunteered in his children’s sports and activities— always present with encouragement and enthusiasm for his family and community. A man of many hobbies and passions, Dick found joy traveling with Pat, taking summer family vacations, cooking Szechuan recipes, crafting wine and beer, engaging with friends over a meal, biking Minneapolis lake trails, sailing, fishing quiet waters, cross-country skiing through snowy trails, reading, camping, swimming, watching or attending sporting events, especially U of M Gopher games--he and Pat had Gopher Hockey season tickets from the mid 1970s through the 1980s; and he always enjoyed a spirited game of volleyball, Dictionary, Ping Pong, and notably cribbage. Whether a fan or participant, he exceptionally liked winning! “Dick” is lovingly remembered by his children Greg (Rebecca) Rowland; Suzanne (Chips) Paulson, Jay (Kari) Rowland; son-in-law Steve Lennick; eight grandchildren: Chrystel, Luke, Miles, Natalie, Ellie, Hannah, Lilly, and Calvin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel C. Rowland; mother, Sybil (Bixler-Rowland) Hunt; stepfather, William Hunt; brother, Robert Rowland; sister, Ellyn (Hunt) Tracy; wife, Patricia (Zimmerman) Rowland; daughter, Anna (Rowland) Lennick; and grandson, Noah Rowland. Dick found solace in his retirement years at his lake home in rural Wisconsin—where he spent time with family and friends immersed in nature’s beauty. He lived his final years in Mercer, Wisconsin with his daughter Sue and son-in-law Chips. He often expressed gratitude for living a life full of beautiful times and in extraordinary places. May his memory bring a comforting smile to all who knew him—and may the legacy of love he leaves, be nurtured in his family for generations to come. Cremation and obituary web publication provided by Bolger Funeral Home Woodruff, Wisconsin. Richard’s life will be remembered and celebrated on May 9, 2025 at 1pm. Plymouth Congregational Church Chapel 1919 LaSalle Avenue, Door 1 Minneapolis, MN 55403 Reception to follow at the church. Here is the live streaming link for guests unable to attend the memorial in person: https://youtube.com/live/Y-FGCX_9iDk?feature=share This link is open for up to one year for viewing Private family interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Richard Rowland may be made to: MCC (Masonic Cancer Center) Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund University of Minnesota Foundation 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55455-2010

Richard J. Rowland

November 29, 1933 - March 23, 2025