David J. "Dave" Rowland

David J. "Dave" Rowland, age 62, of Morton Grove, IL, died Friday, January 31, 2025, at Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital in Evanston, IL. Son of the late John P. and Olga, née Volpi, Rowland, he was born November 16, 1962, in Detroit, MI.
Dave was a passionate attorney, dedicating his entire 37-year career to Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Throughout his career, Dave spent time as a partner and managing partner of the Chicago office. In addition to his work as a labor and employment litigator, he dedicated a significant amount of time to his pro bono work including asylum immigration and improving labor rights for those with disabilities.
Dave had a love for educating himself through literature, music, and travel. He passed on that love through mentorship both in work and in life. Dave had a generous soul and much of his free time was spent helping others. He was consistently active as a guide to fellow cancer fighters and survivors.
Dave had a strong connection to nature. From his trips to Ludington, MI, to riding his tricycle down Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, he had a deep appreciation for the beauty of God's creation.
Dave was also an avid sports fan, but nothing could compare to his loyal fandom of the University of Michigan football team.
Above all else, Dave was a family man and friend. He worked tirelessly to support his children and to give his family the best. Dave had a special ability to forge a unique connection with every one of his children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. As a husband, Dave was a rock, with a sunny smile every morning and evening. There was no turning it off. He was committed, tender, and caring up to his very last moments on this earth. In the last years of Dave's life, he was overwhelmed with the joy of being "Papi" to his two beautiful grandchildren.
Beloved husband of Tina Holly, née Ferber; loving father of John (Jessica) Rowland, Samantha Rowland, Angela (Kevin) Wijas, and Mason Rowland; dear step-father of Matthew and Christopher Holly; cherished Papi of Thomas and Wesley Wijas; loyal dog-dad to Tulip and dog-granddad to Frank; fond brother of Teresa (Bill) Vaughn, Monica (Harold) Maxa, Ann (the late Bob) Kirsch, Mark Rowland, and Christopher (Anne) Rowland.
Memorial Visitation, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie, IL.
Memorial Mass, Thursday, February 6, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter Church of Ss. Peter & Lambert Catholic Parish, 8100 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. [ Please Note - Immediately following Mass, a series of Personal Remembrances will be given in St. Peter Church. ]
Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or to leave a condolence message, please go to habenfuneral.com, click on Dave's obituary, and post a message under Tributes. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.