John A. Rowland, 84, passed away on May 14, 2017 at the Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton. A viewing will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Benton Funeral Home. John's funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Geraldine United Methodist Church with Pastor Dorothy Behling officiating.

John was born on March 18, 1933 to Fred and Clara (Mitzner) Rowland in Fort Benton, Montana. He was the youngest of six children. He attended school in Geraldine, graduating from high school in 1951. John enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and spent most of his service time in San Diego, CA. After his honorable discharge from the Navy In 1956, John worked with Wayne Lozier installing overhead sprinklers in buildings.

John married the love of his life, Doris Wishman, on April 15, 1961. The couple then began farming in the Geraldine area. They raised their two children on the farm. The family spent many happy times camping on the Missouri River and Shonkin Creek with the Rowland families and many other friends. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading Louis L'Amour books, making wine, and woodworking. He spent a few years during the winter months welding for Ed Curtis in Lewistown. John and Doris spent the winter months traveling to Arizona for about 15 years until her passing. John was a member of the Pilgrim Lodge #102 in Geraldine.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Doris; brothers, Ted, Ralph, and Robert; sisters, Betty and Helen; and his parents, Fred and Clara.

He is survived by his daughter Sherry Rowland and her daughter Madison Peters of Fort Benton; his son, David (Tara) Rowland and their daughters, Alexandra and Azzia of Geraldine; his sister-in-law, Jean Rowland; his brother-in-law, Robert Patterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials in John's name may be made to the Vets Hall or to the Pilgrim Lodge #102 both in Geraldine. Please visit John's online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for the family. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.