Pastor David K. Rowland, 78, of Fontana, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He was born in Provo, Utah, on March 9, 1948, the son of Kenneth H. and Ruby (Radic) Rowland.
Dave was raised in Ohio and graduated from Columbiana High School in 1966. He continued his education at Rutgers University, earning his degree in 1970, and later completed his MBA at Boston University in 1974. Dave was united in marriage on Aug. 22, 1970 to Susan Long, and together they spent 55 years building a life happily together.
Throughout his life, Dave held numerous respected leadership roles. He served as President of Inspiration Ministries, was an active Lions Club member, and a Past President of the Rotary Clubs. His commitment to service extended to his work as Executive Director of the Connecticut Society to Prevent Blindness, Director of Resource Development for Officers’ Christian Fellowship, and Director of Donor Relations. His professional life reflected his deep desire to serve others and strengthen the communities he cared about.
He served on the Global Partnership Board and was deeply committed to helping others grow in their faith. Mr. Rowland completed his Master of Divinity at Denver Seminary at the age of 69, a testament to his lifelong dedication to learning and ministry. He faithfully served for many years as a Pastor at Calvary Community Church in Lake Geneva, and previously as Interim Pastor for both Riverwood Community Church and Encore Ministries. Dave’s lifelong love of learning continued well into his later years. He took up classical guitar, enjoyed the open road as a motorcycle enthusiast, and found joy in collecting antiques. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Dave is survived by his wife, Susan Rowland of Fontana; his daughters, Carson Rowland of Antioch, Illinois, Polly (Tom) Smith of Chicago, and Aileen Rowland of Asbury, New Jersey; his grandchildren, Linnea Rose Rowland Deleo and Henry Alton Smith; and his sister, Nancy (Jack) Bokesch of Columbus, Ohio.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ruby Rowland.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Calvary Community Church, N2620 Harris Road, Lake Geneva. Friends may visit at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Cobblestone Cemetery in Walworth.
Donations in loving memory of Pastor David may be directed to The Bridge Food and Diaper Bank, 205 East Commerce Court, Elkhorn, WI 53121 or Voice of the Martyrs, 1815 SE Bison Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Arrangements were made by Toynton Funeral Home in Walworth.