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Michael Rowland Obituary
Shueyville - Michael Gabriel Rowland, 21, of Shueyville, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018, on Ko Pha Ngan Island in Thailand while on vacation. While there most likely were underlying medical and psychological issues, he died trying to escape from a perceived threat.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 2nd from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m. at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre located at 2121 Bowling St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3rd at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 618 E Davenport St, Iowa City, IA 52245 (http://stwenc-ic.com/). Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Solon, Iowa.
Memorials can be made to Johnson County (Iowa) Right to Life (www.jcrtl.org) or to the St. Mary's Cemetery- Improvement Fund care of St. Mary's Church in Solon, Iowa (http://www.solonstmary.org/).
A full obituary can be found at www.broshchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rowland
Sponsored by Brosh Chapel - Cedar Rapids Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre.
Kristine Fishel
March 8, 2025
Missing Michaels infectious smile & sweet disposition. Always remembered.
Trinity Rohloff
April 16, 2024
it´s been over 6 years since the death of my loving brother, I still have pictures of you hanging in my room, the guitar pic you used to always play with, and one of your old little stuffed animal cats that I got when visiting the family you stayed with. You were the light in mine and ma´s life, and we´re her first born child, and my oldest brother. We miss you so so much. You will forever be in our prayers and held in our hearts. We love you michael.
Anne
February 20, 2024
Together in prayer with you, dear Linda!
Monica Maloney-Mitros
February 20, 2024
We continue to hold Michael and all the Rowland family in our prayers.
marilyn jensen
February 20, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. he was so very special.
Monica and Frank
March 18, 2023
Dear Linda and all of your family. Frank and I want you to know we keep all of your family in our prayers. You are loved. May you feel the support of our Lord each day.
Monica Maloney-Mitros
Monica Maloney-Mitros
February 20, 2021
Dear Linda, Maya, Monica and Tony,
Holding you in our prayers as we remember and thank Our Lord for the gift of Michael to our world and in our lives at St. Wenceslaus. I can hear his beautiful voice when I think of him and all of you. Please remember you are loved and included in our daily prayer intentions as are Michael and Tom.
In Friendship,
Monica and Frank
Anne Mallampalli
February 20, 2021
Dear Linda, Monica, Maya and Tony.....
I am on my annual silent retreat this weekend. I am praying for you. I have two special intercessors Heaven and I know they are kept busy. Guardian spirit, guide and friend. Also calling on St. Joseph for the Rowland family. Love and prayers from Ohio.
K Fishel
September 13, 2019
I think of Michael often. Memories of him are still scattered all over my daughters room so it's hard not to, but I can still hear his voice and laugh. He was always trying to keep from smiling too big. I miss Michael, but I also miss the part of my Maggie that left along with him.
I hope his family knows how much we appreciate them. I hope they know we havent forgotten their kindness. They are in our thoughts always.
February 22, 2019
We continue to hold you all in our prayers and we remember Michael with the JOY he gave us through his beautiful voice as we all celebrated and prayed together at Mass. Feel God's love and support every day.
Monica Maloney-Mitros and Frank Mitros
Marilyn Jensen
February 21, 2019
I have your picture on my nightstand and pray for your family. You were such a delight watching you grow up. Your service was so memorial. You had such a wonderful loving family andwhat an honor to have met all of you
Anne Mallampalli
February 20, 2019
Dear Ones,
I am sitting in front of our Lord in the tabernacle in our new parish, St. Joan of Arc, Powell, Ohio, as I thumb type. What a consoling gift, to be here. I returned from Abu Dhabi last night with my daughter. And I've taken you with me and back. Many many prayers were offered for you, and I felt yours too. Again, what a gift is the Faith we share! Michael's death has affected us all, made us better, by the way you have shown us - how you do life, and how you endure a child's death. Together in prayer. Blest be the tie that binds. Anne M.
Kevin
April 13, 2018
Linda, Tom, and family,
It saddens me deeply to learn of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences, and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Rowland
March 25, 2018
Deus caritas est
God is love. God doesn't love, He is love. He doesn't do love, He is love- pure, unchanging, eternal love.
He creates angels and human beings so they can blissfully participate in His love for all eternity. But for there to be love in angels and humans, there must be free will. A person cannot be forced to love, they must choose to love. Choosing to love involves giving up something for someone. It means doing something that can involve accepting discomfort and pain. It involves a burden.
Jesus says 'Take up your cross and follow me' (Mark 8:34). Then Thomas [the apostle] said Lord we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me' (John 14: 5-6).
So we are to take our burden and follow Jesus to the Father who is Love. We are to choose to love to be with Love.
We are given our crosses or burdens, we don't choose them. Once they are given to us though, we must freely choose how to respond. We can selfishly reject them in anger and self-pity; or we can accept them in love and go to the Father through Jesus. Acceptance allows us to be with God, who is Love, for all eternity. We must be capable of love to be in the presence of Love.
There will not be a day for the rest of my life when I will not think of Michael. We have all been given a huge burden with the death of Michael. We didn't choose this burden, but we must choose what we are going to do with it. Will we react in anger and self-pity, claiming how unjust it is, or will we decide to become Michael's hands, feet, arms and heart in this world and spread his love to others?
When you hear Michael's voice in your head saying Help this person, will you respond? When you hear Michael's voice in your head saying Pray for this person, will you respond? When you hear Michael's voice in your head saying Comfort this person, will you respond? When you hear Michael's voice in your head saying Clean up after yourselfwell that one won't be Michael, that one will be your mother. And you better respond to that too!
I have decided, imperfect as I know I will be, to accept this burden and love others by helping them to travel to God and be with Him forever. If one other person joins God in Heaven through my acceptance of this burden, then Michael's tragic death will be most fortunate indeed- as was the bloody, violent death of Someone else's Son on a cross outside the gates of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.
Please join me in honoring Michael this way.
Tom Rowland
March 3, 2018
Linda Rowland
March 25, 2018
Please pray with me, the very first prayer I must've learned as a little girl. We would pray it before Sunday School in the little Methodist country church called Silver Creek where I grew up: May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer from Psalm 19. I hadn't prayed that prayer in a long time, and then it came back to me not so long ago when I recognized the precious words again. What a great way start a conversation with God!
At this time, I would like to acknowledge two of my hero-ines that are here today that's heroine with an e on the end which means a lady of courage and daring, admired for her achievements and qualities and ask them to please stand:
Angela Gorman Rohloff Michael's birth mother
and Aamy Weston Lewis Maya's birth mother
Angela and Aamy, you selflessly gave your children life when it would have been so easy not to. And then you made another selfless sacrifice to entrust your babies to another family for adoption. Through these selfless acts, you made us a family.
I know I'm repeating myself when I preach: With adoption, you just have more family to loveand cherish! The same is true of Godwe are all His adopted sons and daughters, made in His image and likeness, to serve one another out of love for our Creator.
Sowhat have I witnessed since two weeks ago on February 16? The love of a dad (Tom), like the father of the prodigal son, firsthand, even when Michael wasn't coming home in the way we had hoped being the first to tell us the sad news, going in haste to bring Monica home from college, checking at regular points on Michael's siblings, and the phone calls through the night to the opposite side of the world, just to get Michael home, to the point of falling asleep on the kitchen floor to be at the ready and on the watch.
And the love of another Dad Kenny, Michael's birth dad. (Kenny, please stand) Staying with Michael an extra 9 days, alone for the most part, in a foreign country, relaying tough messages, and being so determined to stay with Michael until you knew he was safely in transit home. Kenny, thank you for giving Michael life, embracing him from his teen years, and helping to make the last years of his life so joyful.
One of the first things you see when you walk into this beautiful churchis the large round windowsthey are not happy sightsboth Mary and Jesus are sorrowful. These ancestors of ours who fashioned this church knew about suffering. And Tom will tell you about burdens of suffering in a minute.
Memento Morithese Latin words are a Trappist Monk greeting. A Trappist monk crafted Michael's beautiful wooden coffinthe final resting place for his earthly tabernacle, having prayed all the while for the soul whose earthly remains would be housed there. Memento Mori is Latin for remember that you must die. Death is the end merely of earthly life, but it is not the end of Love, and Tom will tell you about Love in a minute.
I will leave you with a happy thought, and one I hope you will pursue. There is an old black & white movie from 1940 called Beyond Tomorrow or Beyond Christmas it goes by both titles. You can watch in on YouTube for free. The main character in this movie is named Michael O'brien and it has become one of my favorite movies. I encourage you to see how he influences his friends. And toward the end, listen for the words of his mother calling him homeMichael, Michael. I will be calling that name for many days to come, but I think I'll be more anxious to hear, Mom, Mom, I'm Home!
I have a very wise mother, and she says that our Tears are liquid prayers (Thanks, Mom, another heroine of mine!)
And finallymy letter to Michaelit's called ANGEL ON THE RUN
My dear Michael:
How blessed you are to have an angelic heritage! Born to Angela, who was angelic in more than just her name, by choosing life for you and having given you the name Gabriel which means power and strength of God, and then entrusting you to our care. We added the name Michael which means who is like God? I was just sure you would pick Rafael which means the medicine of God for your Confirmation name. But you chose St. Ambrose, and I know he has been our help, too. With those Angel names, your Uncle Harve couldn't resist giving you the nickname Wings.
I shall never forget the day you took your first steps. I was on the phone and had one eye on you. You let go of the book case, and you didn't take a step or twoyou RAN across the carpet, at least 12 stepsand I dropped the phone. And you were offan angel on the run.
When you were a little lad, we took you to the Coral Ridge Mall with Grandpa and Grandma Rowland. We were eating lunch in the very-crowded food court, and you ran with all your might before we realized you were gone. I panicked, but your Grandma Joan knew where you had gone. You bolted for the carousel the merry-go-round of glittering horses. I immediately became the mother hen with the droopy wingsI had no idea of what to doI felt like Joseph and Mary when they searched for Jesus and found him after 3 days in the Temple. You were an angel on the runand Grandma Joan caught up to you.
At age 12 you were given the best gift everan email from your Mother Angela, and you couldn't wait to meet her in person. Two angels on the run.
And then at age 16, your first phone call with Kenny, your birth dad! You were both like kids in a candy store when you realized you were so much alike! Kenneth means comely or handsome so you found out where you got the other half of your good looks!
Your forte in baseball was being an angel on the runstealing 2nd base, 3rd and even home.
God has known for all Eternity that this would be a very special Lent for our family. We have just prayed the Mass of the Ages for your Soul, for all time, and we send you to God with heavy hearts, at the tender age of only 21 years, but know your Guardian Angel's wings have carried youeven in the last steps of your earthly lifeyou were runningan angel on the run.
As I look at the beautiful big round window in the Church today, the Church where you grew up and spread your earthly wings, under the guidance of Fr. Phillips, I see Our Blessed Mother with her tears, and I know she will lead you by the hand to her Son, that is, if she can keep up with you, Michael, an angel on the run. Please pray for us, as we shall pray for you. We shall always love you, dear Michael!
Love, Mom (Linda Rowland / March 3, 2018)
*******
Take my hand, O Blessed Mother
Hold me firmly, lest I fall.
I am nervous when I'm walking
And on thee I humbly call.
Guide me over every crossing;
Watch me when I'm on the stairs.
Let me know that you're here beside me.
Listen to my fervent prayer.
Bring me to my destination
Safely every single day.
Help me with each undertaking
As the hours pass away.
And when evening falls upon us
And I fear to be alone,
Take my hand, O Blessed Mother;
Once again, O lead me home.
(above poem from an old prayer card, courtesy of Fr. Gary Beckman)
March 15, 2018
Linda, Tom, Donna and family,
Our sincere condolences to you all! Prayers that your heavy hearts be healed.
Glenn & Kay Burke
Rama and Anne Mallampalli & Family
March 3, 2018
I have a tea towel which hangs on the wall in our breakfast room. It's the score and words to "Food Glorious Food" from Oliver! and it always makes me think of Michael. Count on prayers from Pittsburgh for Michael's good soul and his loving family. Our hearts break with yours even as we experience many beautiful graces. Blest be the tie that binds.
Helene Pizzi
March 2, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to you Linda and Tom, and the family. What a loss for you all. I cannot find words that are right in a time of dramatic sadness like this, but am confident that your faith will carry you onwards. Affectionate warm hugs.
dan & mary Krogmann
March 2, 2018
Tom & Linda,
We are so sad to heat of this sad, sad news. We send our love and care. We are 19 years ahead of you on this journey, as we lost our beloved Kaye 19 years ago in an auto accident at age 16. It is a long, tough road, but you will be helped along the way by the love of family, compassion of friends, and most importantly by the graces of God. From what I hear, Micheal was an amazing young man. You are so blessed to be able to call him your son. Michael is safely in the arms of his loving savior, and he will stay close by you always, looking after you, especially in these next few days, weeks, months and throughout the coming years. Allow his love to carry you and touch your lives each day. Our sincere love and care, and prayers....Dan & mary
Steven Dunn
March 2, 2018
Tom and Linda,
I have no words. I am so saddened to hear this news. Michael was a truly special young man, and I always enjoyed our time together. He was like the younger brother I never had. I will be praying for you and your family. May the Mother of God lead him to his reward.
Sam and Ellen Abusada
March 1, 2018
Dear Tom, Linda and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss of Michael. It was always a pleasure to hear him sing at St. Wenceslaus and witness the love and kindness of God shining through him and your family. You always have inspired us with your love and kindness. May God give you peace during this difficult time. Much Love,
Steve and Kathy Kelchen
March 1, 2018
Tom and Linda,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your son Michael. There are no words that can express how you feel, but you are a strong family and God will help you in your grief. Steve and I will pray for you and your family. Michael was very fortunate to have had you as his parents. God bless you always.
Paul & Cindy Anderson
March 1, 2018
Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with all of you at this difficult time. We knew Michael through FPS. He and our son, Josiah, were on the same team and it was so obvious that, among other things, Michael added a wonderful enthusiasm and spark to the team. We know he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy is with you all.
Kathleen & Dave Ratliff
February 28, 2018
Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with you, Tom and all your family. We watched Michael grow from a small boy into a wonderful young man whose voice was exceptional for one so young. You and your family have been an inspiration to us, and we have been fortunate in observing the reverence to our Lord that is visible through your family's talented singing at St. Wenceslaus, Linda. As we pray for Michael, know that he will always be our shining star.
February 27, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's promise that we can see our loved ones again John 6:40 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Bill & Judy Hausner
February 27, 2018
Sympathy to your family.
Mike and Sue (Koehne) Wintz
February 27, 2018
There are no words that can bring comfort when one of our children die; simply know that we are holding you in our hearts and prayers. We will light a candle for Michael and say his name aloud.
Monica (McGrane) Heiserman
February 27, 2018
My heart felt sympathy to Linda, Tom and families. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
February 27, 2018
Praying you feel the loving embrace of Our Lord supporting you in this most difficult time. Michael was a gift to all of us at St. Wenceslaus as he sang with his beautiful voice, leading us in praising God. We thank God for Michael in our lives and ask for the Lord's comfort to all of you.
Monica Maloney and Frank Mitros
Jeanne Smith
February 27, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Michael was a special young man whom we were so blessed to have in our lives. He will be truly missed!
May God fill your hearts with peace and joy in all the wonderful memories that you have.
Love, The Smith Family of Luzerne
Marilyn Jensen
February 26, 2018
My heart goes out to the family. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I immediately recalled how the children came to out house to serenade Richard when he was confined to the house shortly before his death. It was such a caring thing to do. God bless this wonderful family.
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