Carl Stedman Rowley

Carl S. Rowley
Bay City, Michigan
Carl Stedman Rowley, 82, of Bay City, Michigan, peacefully took his final breath on February 27, 2025, surrounded by the love and warmth of family. Even as the end of his journey in this lifetime drew near, he still found ways to make those around him smile, to spark laughter, and to offer up his unique light-just as he always had throughout a life rich in color, love, and curiosity.
A brilliant engineer with restless intellect, Carl's career spanned four decades, a testament to his sharp mind and inventive spirit. He earned his mechanical engineering degree from Valparaiso University in 1964 where he met his beloved wife of 59 years, Kay G. Rowley. Carl worked for Advanced Technologies Incorporated and Shear Bay Plastics.
An unassuming and unexpected Renaissance man, Carl was known for his unwavering positivity, inquisitive mind, whimsical sense of humor, kindness, and compassion. In addition to being a devoted husband, partner, and constant cheerleader to his wife Kay, he was a dedicated, ever-present father to his two children, Glenn (Jill) and Melissa, former daughter-in-law Samantha, and a supportive and nurturing grandpa to his grandkids, Andrew and Addison, Sophia, Emma, Oliver, and Barrett.
Whether sailing on the Saginaw Bay with his family-teaching his kids how to follow their North Star-or mentoring local Boy Scout troops in outdoor and survival skills and personal growth, Carl showed up for those he loved with a delightful mix of wisdom, humility, and affection. For years, he dedicated his time to guiding young men, sharing not only his knowledge but the quiet strength of his character. His legacy as a father, mentor, and community member is woven into the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him.
In 1980, Carl was Worshipful Master of the Masonic Joppa Lodge #315. He was a member of the community choir, Bay Chorale, which gave him the opportunity to share his love of music and his deep, resonant bass voice on a regular basis.
Whether he was experimenting in the kitchen, the adventurous cook that he was, immersing himself in an epic novel, tinkering in the garage, engineering mechanical innovations in Bay City or Italy, or patiently and graciously helping one of his children or grandchildren with their homework, he consistently showed up with a calm and quiet courage, eccentric wit (sometimes referred to as Carlisms, resilient heart, and open mind. Not only did he appreciate the quirks in others, but he also always had an encouraging word for those who felt they didn't quite fit the mold. His legacy is one of joy, intellectual exploration, and a reminder that the most profound beauty in life often resides in the things others may overlook or misunderstand.
While Carl's presence will be deeply missed in this world, the inspiration he leaves behind will live on in the lessons he shared, the love he gave, and the lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church-West Campus, 4267 2 Mile Road, Bay City, MI 48706 on April 5, 2025, with visitation at 12:00 pm and services beginning at 1:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to gather and share their memories of Carl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the wishes of the family in care of Kay G. Rowley.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Squires Funeral Home, 211 N. Herny Street, Bay City, MI 48706. Stories, expressions of sympathy, and photos may be shared on Carl's Tribute Wall @ squiresfuneralhome.com