Robert E. Rowland
Former Argonne Biophysicist Robert E. Rowland died on March 19, 2017, at age 94. He worked at Argonne from 1950-1983 and served as Associate Laboratory Director for Biomedical and Environmental Research in his last position. Rowland continued to contribute to the lab after retiring. He was a member of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and a consultant to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Born in 1923 in St. Charles, Illinois, Rowland was a meteorologist in the Army Air Forces during World War II, serving his country from 1943-1946.
He received his B.A. (Physics, 1947) from Cornell College, his M.S. (Physics, 1949) from the University of Illinois, his Ph.D. (Radiation Biology, 1964) from the University of Rochester and his M.B.A. (1975) from the University of Chicago.
During his career, Rowland published more than 50 articles on radiation biology in peer-reviewed academic journals and one book, “Radium in Humans: A Review of U.S. Studies.” He also enjoyed astronomy, bird watching and reading.
A resident of Batavia, Illinois, Rowland married the late Emelene Searls in 1944 and is survived by their three children, William (Joanne), Bruce (Phyllis) and Robert (Karen), seven grandchildren and his second wife, Ann (nee Carrel).
Services for Rowland will be held at The Holmstad in Batavia, Illinois on April 15, 2017. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service. For information, call (630) 879-4000. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or the Covenant Care Fund at The Holmstad.