06/26/2015
Gail Dean Rowland, 71, of Knoxville, passed into eternity on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11:55 p.m.
Gail was born in Knoxville to Myretta and Lee Rowland on November 20, 1943.
Gail graduated from Knoxville High School in 1961
He began his career at the family business, Big Ben Coal Company. After the close of the family business, Gail drove a school but for Knoxville Community School District, raised beef cattle, farmed, managed over 20,000 egg producing chickens and drove a semi for Smith Fertilizer and Grain.
He actively worked on his farm south of Knoxville, until the time of his passing.
Gail enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially during his annual Fourth of July Celebration on his farm. Gail was passionate about Sprint Car races and attended them weekly at Knoxville.
He loved mushroom hunting, fishing, attending the Iowa State Fair and wintering in Arizona.
Gail was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Myretta Rowland, and a son, Doug Rowland.
Gail is survived by his wife, Norene; son, Bill Rowland of Mason City and his children Brett (Jill) Rowland of Laurel, MD., Amanda (Mike) Patras and great-grandchildren Blake of Bouton; son, Larry (Tricia) Rowland and his children, Cody and Nash of Monroe; daughter-in-law, Kelly (Rick) Rowland Beyer of Otley, and her children Kaila (John) Nickelson and great-grandchildren Brody, Bryson and Ada, of Monroe, Tanner (Brittany) Rowland and great-grandchild James Conner of Moravia and Abigail of Otley.
Gail is also survived by step-children Levi, Seth and Ben Johnston and grandchild Drew, Shapen (Randy) Brooks and great grandchildren McKenna, Jayden and Blaine, Breanna (Josh) Saunders and great-grandchild, Trenton.
Gail enjoyed making people laugh with his quick and straightforward sense of humor and easily caught those within earshot or unsuspecting audiences off guard with his candid and rarely politically correct wit.
Gail will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Please join the family to celebrate Gail’s life on Friday, July 3, starting at 5:00 p.m. at his farm, 1813 130th Place, Knoxville.