Hartford, South Dakota – David Leon Rowe, a 67-year-old retired employee of Procter & Gamble and a passionate motorcyclist, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Interstate 90 near Hartford, South Dakota, on Friday, August 9, 2024. Born on January 31, 1957, in Marengo, Iowa, David lived a life marked by dedication to his family, country, and community.
David, who served in both the United States Army and Navy, was well-known for his deep sense of patriotism. His love for motorcycles was a central part of his life, a passion he pursued professionally by earning a certificate in motorcycle mechanics from the Harley Davidson Technology Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988.
The fatal accident occurred at approximately 5:52 p.m. in a construction zone on the interstate. David was riding his 2017 Harley Davidson Heritage motorcycle eastbound when he lost control, crossing into the westbound lanes and colliding head-on with a 2019 Ford F350 pickup truck driven by Jeffrey Alphonse Bartscher, 61, of Sioux Falls. David sustained fatal injuries in the crash, while Bartscher was treated for minor injuries. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether David was wearing a helmet at the time.
David’s passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him. He is survived by his daughter Sarah Rogness, his son Cody Thomas, and his significant other Christina Thomas, all of Williamsburg, Iowa. His granddaughter Braelynn, who was the light of his life, also survives him, with another grandchild on the way. David was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, where a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024.
Visitation for David will take place on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Following the funeral service, burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. In his honor, a memorial fund has been established for the Lutheran Interparish School Scholarship Fund.
David’s legacy of service, family love, and a passion for motorcycles will be cherished by those who knew him, even as his untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance on the roads.