Charles Everett Rowland

Charles E. “Chuck” Rowland passed away on March 24, 2026 at the age of 94 ½ . Born in Englewood, New Jersey on September 7, 1931, Chuck lived a full and meaningful life marked by service, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Chuck joined the United States Air Force in 1949, where he served in radar maintenance. His military career took him to a wide range of assignments, including Northern Japan; the Texas Towers off Massachusetts; Oslo, Norway; Washington; Mississippi; Montana; Alaska; and Arizona—experiences that helped shape his lifelong love of travel. In 1954 he met the woman he would spend the next 72 years with, and on October 1, 1955, he and Marilyn L. Sekus were married. He proudly served for more than 20 years, retiring in 1969 as a Senior Master Sergeant.

After his military career, Chuck continued to build a life centered on hard work and education. He worked as an accountant for Montgomery Ward, later as an auditor for Stanislaus County, and went on to earn his MBA. He shared his knowledge as a teacher at Modesto Junior College and taught business courses for the University of Maryland, which allowed him to travel extensively throughout Asia.

Chuck had a true love for traveling and embraced every opportunity to explore new places and cultures. Whether for work or for enjoyment, he found great fulfillment in seeing the world and learning from it. At home, he was happiest when he had a project to work on—always tinkering, fixing, or improving something, and was rarely one to sit for long. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his thoughtful nature, and his quiet sense of humor—sometimes choosing when to listen and when not to, a small trait that those close to him knew well and will remember with a smile.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn; his three daughters, Phyllis, Margaret, and Ann; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 PM at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Modesto, California.

Chuck will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. We find comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.