DENNIS ROWLEY

Dennis Dale Rowley, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Mora, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Grand Village in Grand Rapids.  He was 88 years old.

Dennis was born on March 1, 1938, in Grass Lake Township, Minnesota to parents Leo and Golda (Smith) Rowley.  Denny grew up in the Mora area, graduating from Mora High School in 1956. He trained as a welder, working for Pioneer Engineering, and even taught welding classes.

Dennis was united in marriage to Annette Campbell on October 26, 1957, at St. John the Baptist church in New Brighton.  Denny enlisted in the United States Army and served from March to September of 1961 when he was placed in the Reserves.

In 1969 they bought a farm near Mora where Denny started raising Beef Cattle but eventually included milking dairy cattle as well.  When not working on the farm, Denny drove school bus and worked as a custodian for the Mora Schools.  Annette passed away from cancer in 1998.  Denny sold the farm and began working to fix up a home in Grand Rapids for his retirement years.

On July 20, 2002, Denny was united in marriage to Violet (Cashman) Campbell and the couple made their home in Grand Rapids until his passing.

Denny loved hunting, fishing, and collecting rocks and agates.  He and Vi enjoyed traveling to New Mexico, Arizona, and Alaska.  He loved music and singing and square dancing with Vi. He was a proud member of the American Legion in both Mora and Grand Rapids and most recently served as part of the Honor Team.  He was a faithful catholic and attended St. Mary’s in Mora and St. Augustine’s in Cohasset where he was part of the Knights of Columbus. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Annette, infant daughters Denise and Debra, and brother Larry.

He is survived by his wife Vi; sons, Dale (Christine) and Greg; grandchildren, Kyle (Jaime), Kristina, Josie, and Shane; great grandchildren, Rori, AJ, and Ayden; brothers, Roger (Cheryl) and Don (Deloris); sister-in-law Mary Rowley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic in Mora. 

Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. 

Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mora. 

Military Honors will be provided by the Mora American Legion Post 201.

A Luncheon will follow the services at the Parish Center.

Memorials are preferred to your local American Legion Post.

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