OWLS HEAD — Roger Everett Rowling, Sr., of Owls Head, Maine, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, just one day after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Roger was born in Rockland, Maine, on November 23, 1945, the son of the late Marcia Rowling and Charles Rowling II. He was a proud member of the Rockland District High School Class of 1963. A dedicated and hardworking entrepreneur, Roger spent his life building businesses that served his community and supported his family. For seventeen years, he owned and operated Rowling’s Autobody and Garage in Owls Head. He later fulfilled a lifelong dream by founding Rowling’s Transportation, a business that allowed him to travel across the United States with his beloved wife, Linda. Prior to his retirement, Roger established MidCoast Heating Services, faithfully serving customers throughout the mid-coast region and surrounding island communities.

Roger was deeply committed to civic life and fellowship. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks 1008 for 59 years, as well as the Rockland American Legion and the Aurora Masonic Lodge 50. His dedication to service and community was a cornerstone of his life.

Roger will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his dedication to perfection in his craft, his devotion to family, and his unwavering commitment to his community. His legacy lives on in the businesses he built, the friendships he cherished, and the family he deeply loved.

In the midst of sorrow, Roger’s great-grandson, 8-year-old Grayson Wilgus, offered words of comfort to his mother, granddaughter Jennifer Wilgus, saying: “We know he is happy now, and you just have to think happy, Mom.” His heartfelt words reflect the love and hope Roger inspired across generations.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda Kangas Rowling; his children Roger Everett Rowling, Jr. and his partner Joann MacCormack Etters, Lisa Rowling Heal and her husband Brian Heal, and Glen Evan Rowling and his wife Nattanipa (Oum) Rowling. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Travis Heal and his wife Kayla, Jennifer Wilgus and her husband Jesse, Kayla Rowling, and Ashlyn Rowling; his great-grandchildren: Brady Wilgus, Connor Wilgus, Grayson Wilgus, Emma Heal, and Colton Heal; and his bonus grandchildren Harper and Mabelle. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Rowling III.

Roger was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Ruth Maxfield; and his son John Michael Rowling.

The Rowling family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Maine General Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care at Glenridge in Augusta, Maine, for their compassion, dedication, and exceptional care provided throughout Roger’s battle with dementia.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with an Elks Ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine.

To share a memory or condolence with Roger’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.