Lowell Nelson, long time resident of Eugene, Oregon, died Saturday, March 18th, 2023 after receiving excellent hospice care in Salem for the past year. Lowell had long standing connections with Dutton MT, the Twin Cities and Gatzke, MN, and in the Eugene area, Camp Lutherwood, United Lutheran Church, the Sons of Norway and the Forest Service communities of Blue River and McKenzie Bridge. He was a wise and gentle man, but didn't suffer fools. Lowell was preceded in death by his brother, Ted, and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his son, Mark, and his daughter, Maren. He leaves behind many people who will say they were glad to have known him. A memorial service was held at United Lutheran Church, downtown Eugene, on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 2 pm.

People who knew Lowell Nelson during his life in Oregon, offered some memories:

Valerie and Randy Coy wrote that "Pastor Nelson married us 52 years ago at Camp Colton, Oregon. I thought of looking him up but saw his obituary.  We so sorry to hear of his passing. Our sincere sympathy."

Carol and Bob Vreim wrote that "He was one of the best ministers I was fortune to know and learn from. Some may say that he was too jovial for a minister but that is what attracted our boys to go to church because they wanted to, not just because we told them we promised God we would when they were baptized. He was a very special person and our lives were so blessed by knowing him." 

It is obvious from this testimony that Lowell Nelson was a beloved man who was an ordained minister in the United Lutheran Church.  In our Echowan, at graduation, it was said of Lowell that "He's not in the role of common men."  This seems a prediction that certainly came true.  Lowell Nelson was obviously a cherished and sainted man we can all be proud to have known.

Lowell played on our hockey team and played trumpet in the band during our last 3 years of high school, joined the Hi-Y as a sophomore, and was vice president, then secretary of the Hi-Y the last two years.  He was a member of our Letterman's Club and participated in our Senior Class Play.  He was a joy and friend to many.

If you have fond memories of Lowell Nelson from our days in high school, or thereafter, please enter them in the Post Comment section below.