Rowland Gene Ferwerda
Rowland Gene Ferwerda
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Rowland Gene Ferwerda was born June 12, 1957 in Grand Haven, MI a son of Joseph and Leah (Roth) Ferwerda. Rowland graduated from Coopersville High School in Coopersville, MI. After graduation, Rowland served in the United States Air Force. On July 7, 1978, he married Janice Watazychyn in Riverside, CA. They moved to Durand in 1990. Rowland enjoyed golfing, bowling, and traveling with his wife. He was an avid sports fan especially U of M football. Prior to his retirement in July of 2021, he worked for the City of Durand at the wastewater treatment plant.
Rowland is survived by his wife, Janice Ferwerda; sisters, Kathy and Ruth (John); sisters-in-laws, Kathy (Mike) and Patti (Bill); brother-in-law, Ken (Sandy); special cousins, Pam and Remmi; and many other extended family members and friends.
Online condolences may be sent at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rowland, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Rocky Rowe
June 30, 2024
Janice, you and Row's family and your family have my heart felt condolences. I met Row on the football field at San Vito Air Station, Italy in the Summer of 1977. We both played on the Baker flight 9-man tackle football team. He was always a Great guy and fun to be around. We had many laughs together. We stayed in touch over the years so we would have some very long talks about sports over the phone. I miss you already Row. Janice and Row always always Always treated me like family. I love them both Dearly.
Ed Taan
June 24, 2024
I knew Row while living in Riverside California after we got out of the Air Force. He and Jan became good friends and we played softball together. He was a great player and pitcher on our team but a better person. He was always a kind man who was easy to like. When he moved back to Michigan, we lost contact for a while but I will always remember he and Jan. Hugs to Jan and my memories and love for this ambidextrous man will last forever.
Chuck King
June 22, 2024
I knew Row through my wife, who was good friends with them all the way back to the late 70's. He was a great guy and fun to be around. Our heart pours out to Jan and his extended family.
Lee Burleson
June 22, 2024
Jan, Sandy and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know how you are doing. Love, Lee.
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Lee Burleson
June 22, 2024
Row and I served together in the Air Force in Italy. We were also stationed near each other in California. Row was my Best Man at my wedding in 1979. His passing saddens me greatly as we had lost touch in recent years, RIP my friend, you will always be our hearts. Lee and Sandy Burleson
Mike and Kathy Parks
June 21, 2024
Our hearts are broken. Mike & Kathy
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501 N. Saginaw St., Durand, MI 48429
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