Roland Lester Dowis

Roland Lester Dowis of Plainwell, Michigan, formerly of Saginaw

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Life Care Center in Plainwell. He was 91 years old. Roland Lester Dowis was born on April 25, 1934, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Russell and Janet (Campbell) Dowis. He attended Saginaw Public Schools. Roland married the love of his life, Nancy A. Goodman, on October 20, 1972; she preceded him in death on October 24, 2019, following 47 years of marriage. He was employed with Gace Baking Company on Michigan Ave., retiring after many years of loyal and dedicated service. A family man at heart, Roland treasured and cherished the role of husband, father, and grandfather. It didn’t matter what they needed, he always selflessly put their needs ahead of his own. Roland was a longtime and faithful member of Cornerstone Christian Center in Bridgeport, bringing his children up in the faith. He had a servant’s heart and actively volunteered with all church activities. Simply put, Roland loved God and his family. He will forever be remembered for his humbleness, for having a beautiful faithful spirit, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are three sons and a daughter: Matt (Melissa) Dowis of Saginaw; Tim (Jenny) Goodman of KY; Mark (Deborah) Dowis of CA; Melissa (Eric) Fein of Plainwell; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Paul (Jody) Goodman; and a sister-in-law, Sandy (John) Fritzler. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy A. Dowis; a grandson, Matthew Dowis; parents, Russell and Janet Dowis; a brother, Russell (Jean) Dowis; and a sister, Shirley (Ed) Kennedy.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Cornerstone Christian Center, 6674 Junction Road, Bridgeport, Michigan, 48722. Pastor Kim Frank will officiate. Honoring Roland’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Cornerstone Christian Center of Bridgeport. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.