Kenneth Erwin Rowland

Kenneth Erwin Rowland, 84, went to be with Jesus Jan. 13, 2017, at his son’s home in Unalaska, Alaska.

Ken was born Jan. 31, 1932, in Spokane, Washington, to James A. and Minnie Frances Rowland. During and aftaer graduation from John Rogers High School in Spokane, Washington, Ken worked for the Great Northern Railroad in Spokane until he entered the U.S. Navy as a machinery repairman on the U.S.S. Ajax. Based in San Diego, California, his military service took him to Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, Hong Kong & the Philippines.

He often said he served “with a tourist attitude.” Shortly after discharge he moved to Alaska and worked in several coal mines. There he met and married Nancy Alice Poe, May 28, 1959, in Palmer, Alaska. They moved to Usibelli where he worked in the mine & she taught the one-room school. In 1961 Ken took a job with F.A.A. at Cold Bay, Alaska, and Nancy opened the first school there for Alaska Department of Education.

The following year the couple returned to Palmer and Ken worked as a machinist and/or welder for Palmer Machinery, Hermon Bros., and several North Slope firms until early retirement in 1986. Shortly before retirement, he established Ken’s Machine & Welding and also worked several stints at Dutch Harbor/Unalaska for Walashek, Magone Marine, Alpha Welding, and Rowland Ironworks.

An avid hunter and NRA life member, Ken was also an assistant big game guide for many years. Ken’s joys included family hunting trips, restoring old engines, and recalling adventures of his youth and Navy times. He is remembered for his hearty laugh and consistent faith.

Surviving are his wife Nancy, daughter Loyce (Ron) Krogel, son Keith (Laurie) Rowland, son Roger (Tammy) Rowland; grandchildren, Kristen (David) Grosserhode, Keith Krogel, Kaleb (Brittany), David (Hannah), Daniel (Debbie), Hannah (Keenan) Herrmann, Jubal, Kimberly (David) Durst, Julie (Bridger) Herrmann, Sharon (Ben) Person, Axel, Caitlin; great-grandchildren, Gilbert, Elovie, Daniel (Person), sister-in-law Gayle Rowland (Robert, deceased).

Memorial service is at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 12, inside the home of Keith & Laura Rowland, near McCarthy.