William D. (Bill) Bowlby – Rochester

William Dean Bowlby, 85 of Rochester, MN, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital.

William was born August 04, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa to Orrin & Thelma (Albrecht) Bowlby. He graduated from Austin High School. This was followed by 3 years of service in the Marine Corps, resulting in an honorable discharge. On August 5, 1962, he married Leanne E. Kestner in Austin, Mn. Bill was in retail-management for a decade then went to seminary at Melodyland in Anaheim, CA in the early 1970s. William was a pastor and church planter for many years all over the West Coast of the US as well as Minnesota and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He then went on to serve as a full-time Chaplain for the Tacoma Washington Police Department and part-time Chaplain with the FBI for 18 years.

Through the years William enjoyed spreading the Gospel, photography, camping, golfing, writing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was married to his loving wife Leanne for 50 years; she passed away in 2012. In 2015 he married Beth Davis in Ryderwood, WA. They moved to Rochester in 2021 where they resided at The Waters on Mayowood.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, as well as their first son Baby Boy Bowlby in 1964.

He is survived by his wife Beth, two siblings; Shirley Smith of Faribault, MN, and Doug Bowlby of Rochester, his daughters; Kerry Gray (Gerald) of Rochester MN, Shana Beard (Bryce) of Sarasota FL, sons; Daren (Heidi) Bowlby of Longview, WA, Brent Bowlby Minneapolis, MN; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com