Rowland John Leverenz, 90 of Indianapolis, Indiana, died December 20, 2018, at Community Hospital North, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Rowland graduated from Manual High School in Indianapolis in 1945, an honor student lettering in track and tennis with a scholarship to Butler University. After honorably serving our country as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne in the United States Army, he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Butler University, where he was awarded varsity letters in tennis and served as captain of the tennis team. In addition to a long career as an Arsenal Technical High School mathematics teacher, he also worked as a school psychometrist, served as head of guidance and coached tennis. He also spent a few years at Arlington High School and Carmel High School.
An avid tennis player, he won many tennis championships and was ranked as high as number 1 in the Western Level 35 and over. He became a devoted coach and was the first General Manager and Head Pro at Racquets Four Tennis Club in Indianapolis for over ten years. He served as president what is now known as the Central Indiana Tennis Association, and in 1969 Rowland and his family were designated “Tennis Family of the Year” by the C.I.T.A.
Rowland was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ester Leverenz of Indianapolis, a brother, Wally Leverenz of Florida, and a grandson, Brian A. Lewis, of North Carolina.
Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Marcella Leverenz; their four children, Karen Lewis (Ralph) of Fountain Inn, SC, Debbie Steinhagen (Gerry) of Greenwood, IN, Anita Walther (Kurt) and Jay Leverenz of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and sister Joan Bigelow of Florida.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., at Indiana Funeral Care, located at 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Junior Tennis League of Indianapolis, 1310 E. 96th St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 and Butler University at University Advancement c/o Butler Athletics, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208, both in memory of Rowland Leverenz. Arrangements are by Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W. Moore Chapel. Access the online obituary and condolences through https://indianafuneralcare.com/obituary/rowland-john-leverenz.
Brittany says
My sympathies to the Leverenz family. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s no way to really describe the pain one feels when he or she loses a loved one in death. Feelings of sadness and grief can be so overwhelming during this time of mourning. However, comfort from the scriptures can give you hope. John 5:28,29 speaks of the promise of the resurrection hope. What this can mean for your family is a real hope of being reunited with your dear loved ones at a time when “death will be no more.” (Revelation 21:4) May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Cal and Susan Persohn says
Debbie and family. We are sorry we can’t attend the viewing or funeral service for your Dad. He was a very accomplished man and we know he will be missed by many. Our since condolences to you and your family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you!
Cal and Susan Persohn
Peggy Berchekas Clark says
Mr. Leverenz was one of the reasons I became a math teacher. He was a special person who made mathematics come alive for me when I had him at Tech. I also had the pleasure of working with him at Arlington High School. A terrific colleague. May he be at peace and may you find comfort in knowing he was a huge influence on so many lives.
Karen and Ralph Lewis says
You were a man who served as a steadfast role model for your four children and many grandchildren. Whether it be mathematics, service to your country or tennis, you not only displayed excellence but were at heart a teacher. You wanted others to profit from the roads you had traveled, and you used your life stories and sense of humor to entertain us as you aged. After 90 years of a life well lived, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
MARCIA MULLER says
Dear Marcella and Family, I was so sorry to learn today that Rowland had passed away last month. We met at Racquets Four many years ago – with Rowland trying to teach our women’s group how to play tennis! We were never going to be stars, but friendships developed and remain strong today. How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful long and happy life together.
Sincere sympathy to you and your family for the loss of this special man.