Bob Lowe

Visitation was from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at Biglins Mortuary with a rosary at 8 p.m.

Funeral services were Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill at 10:30 a.m. Officiaing was Rev. Doug Scheinost. Music was provided by pianist Paula Havranek and soloist Kathy Sullivan.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Military graveside rites were by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Matthew Walters,  Nathan Lowe,  Martyn Lyons,  Charles Butler, Doug Smith and Matt Larson.

Honorary Pallbearers were Dennis Cork, Harry Stokely, Jim Lafleur,  Bill Warren, Sid Salzman, Jim Dugan and Joe McArdle.

Bob was born Sept. 24, 1933, to Charles and Pearl (Hillen) Lowe at Ponca where he was raised. He married the love of his life, Joanne Saxon on June 24, 1954, at Sioux City, Iowa. Bob served his country in the United States Army Artillery Division during the Korean War from Sept. 1954 to Sept. 1956. He later graduated from South Dakota State University earning a bachelor’s degree in range management. 

Bob had a 30 year career with the United States Department of Agriculture where he contributed significantly to the conservation and management practices of sandhills range land. He was also active in the education and development of both youth and adults through his involvement in 4-H, FFA, continuing education for veterans and guidance to farmers/ranchers throughout the Valentine,  Ainsworth, Burwell and O’Neill areas. 

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill, the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93 and its honor guard, the Eagles Club and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne of O’Neill; two sons, Paul Lowe and fiancé, Eva of Atkinson, Blane and his wife, Julie of Eaton, CO.; two daughters, Regina Fletcher and husband, Rod of San Antonio, TX., Rachele Lyons and husband, Marty of Page; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marilyn Mabeus and husband, Luvern of Ponca.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Sally Lowe, Shirley Butler and Gertrude Northrup.