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Lowell George Kjenstad Sr.
Lowell George Kjenstad Sr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Lowell Kjenstad Obituary
He graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1954. He married his beloved Myrna May Williams on May 19, 1950.The family moved to Strong in 1958 and then Bingham in 1959. Lowell was the minister of the local Congregational Church. When Lowell turned to teaching, the family moved to Pleasant Ridge. In the early 1980s, Lowell and Myrna moved to Bangor and Lowell began working for the Cole Family Foundation. He was with them at the inception of the Cole Land Transportation Museum where he was curator for over 30 years.
Lowell was predeceased by his wife, Myrna in 2009. He is survived by a sister, Edna May and husband, Al Bellerud, of Park River, N.D.; many nieces and nephews in the mid-west and across the country; sons, Lowell Jr. and wife, Joyce, of Seabrook, N.H., and Peter and wife, Jacqueline, of Machiasport; daughters, Paula and husband, Brad Varney, of Turner, and Lyn Kjenstad Carter and wife, Lois Galgay Reckitt, of South Portland; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, John, Evelyn, and Gladys.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, 120 Park St., Bangor, with the Rev. Becky Gunn, officiating. Spring interment will be held privately. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor, 120 Park St., Bangor, ME 04401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susan Wormell
March 5, 2021
My mom and I surely miss Lowell. He was such a dear friend to us always a kind word for anyone.
Barbara Williams
March 7, 2020
Lowell was such a wonderful friend and neighbor. We had lots of laughs and fond memories.
Susan wormell
March 7, 2020
Lowell was a dear, dear man, so generous and kind, a friend to all. My family misses him. God bless
Lyn ~ Lowell Kjentad's Proud Daughter
March 19, 2014
During this last week, my siblings and I have reflected, with smiles, many times on the words and memories shared in this guest book. Your sharing has been heart-warming. We feel your support and kindness. You and so many others have been a comforting light in a very dark week.
When he said to me recently, "I have so little to leave my children." He was not counting the gifts of wonder, knowledge, strength, appreciation, gratitude and peace he bestowed on us. Neither was he remembering to count all of you! He left this world better than he found it.
While I can never match his eloquence, he would want me to thank you. Thank you all for sharing your memories and reminding us of the many lives he touched, the skills and support he gave. I will cherish them always!
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Michelle (Dube) Oliver
March 18, 2014
So sad was one of my favorite teachers and neighbor. I too lost my mom this past year the hardest thing ever.
Connie Shalek
March 18, 2014
My mother was a volunteer at the museum, and always spoke fondly of him. And when she passed away a few years ago, he was there at her funeral, and spoke very kind words in friendship of her. My family is very sorry for your loss, and grateful for his friendship to my mom.
penny conroy
March 15, 2014
he was a great teacher of mine in 7th grade sorry to hear of his passing
March 15, 2014
We are sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He holds a very special place in many of our childhood memories, either at church or school. You are in our thoughts.
Mary & Shawn Small
Joyce
March 15, 2014
On this day of Uncle Lowell's service, I am praying for God to help comfort all the family and friends in attendance. His passing is certainly difficult to bear; however, reading the Guest Book entries leaves behind good feelings of how many more wonderful memories will be shared today by people who were fortunate to have had Uncle Lowell touch their lives in some way. No matter if his touch was few and brief, or many and long; I feel he must have always left a memorable presence. He certainly did in my life!
Penny L. Pedlar
March 15, 2014
To the Kjenstad family, I am so sorry for your loss. No matter the circumstances nothing prepares you for the loss of a parent. Lowell was a genuinely kind person. He did the graveside memorial for our mother in the pouring rain. Our family loved him as family, as he was through marriage. He was a much beloved icon in his community, by his family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with the family, my family, Peter, Jackie, Shanna, Jared, Pete Jr. Loretta and their families. I am with you with warm thoughts and prayers. He and Myrna are together again.
ron and sandy moody
March 14, 2014
To our wonderful friend!! So many great memories
Ruth Higgins
March 14, 2014
Lowell and Myrna were very special to me, and I will always have a place for them in my heart. We first met in the late 1970's and kept in touch, moral at income tax time. Lowell was a fine and kind gentleman. All who were blessed to know him will never forget him.
Tom Bickford
March 13, 2014
To my dear friend Lowell, I will miss seeing you each Sunday morning at church and our talks together. You were always welcome where ever we met up.
Ann Davidoff
March 13, 2014
I knew him briefly and not well at the UU Church in Bangor. He made a big impression on me. He was one of the sweetest and most gentle people I ever met. A very dear human being.
Barbara Williams
March 13, 2014
T0 my wonderful friend. I will always remeber our special times together. My condolences to your family.
Lori Willer Gordon
March 13, 2014
He played a part in many students lives at Valley. I will always remember Mr. Kjenstad and Mrs Kjenstad as a positive influence in my life. Rest In Peace
Susan Wormell
March 13, 2014
I am so sorry to hear that such a wonderful, dear man has passed away. I knew Lowell from his friendship with my mom. He was always looking out for people. That's who he was. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss him.
Gary Merrill
March 13, 2014
I remember him in class, a no nonsense type of teacher with a VOICE! LOL! He was a good guy and pretty fair minded. He and his family are in my prayers.
Horace Davis
March 13, 2014
A wonderful person and man of God.He loved so working with the youth in our beloved Congregational Church.Preacher,teacher,friend.May you rest in the peace and love of ourLord and Saviour Jesus Christ
March 13, 2014
He is always in my thoughts, especially during growing season. I still have all of the notes and drawing I took in his classes and have passed them on to my son. The world would be a peaceful place with more like him. Rest in peace my friend.
March 12, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the Kjenstad family. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed.
Carolsue B. Hill, Concord Twp.
Jeff Morris
March 12, 2014
Pep, Peter, Paula, Lynn,
My thoughts are with you and the times we shared as children.
John Richard
March 12, 2014
Lowell, Paula, Peter and Lyn,
I have many a fond memory while growing up in Bingham and living across the street from your house. Sorry for your loss
Jesse Jacques
March 12, 2014
While sad to hear of Lowell's passing, I remember him very fondly over the years. I can recollect him as a minister, school teacher, the curator at Cole's, and always will smile as I remember his abilities to bring up stories of my past and actions. There was a long gap in my seeing him until I landed at the Cole facility. My family was signing in and a voice not so quiet, said why hello Jesse-how the heck are you. The gap was closer to fifteen years then not.He reminded me and my family of an incident in science class involving a bunson burner and my hair. People do pass through our lives, and it is good to have fond memories to live with.
Suzanne (Sterling) Perry
March 12, 2014
To the Kjenstads my deepest sympathy on your Dad's passing. A nice man that instilled so many good qualities in the youth of Bingham. He was loved by old and young and he will be sadly missed! I have often wondered where his children lived and find that I am sort of a neighbor of Paula as I live in Lewiston.
I know that Mr. Kjenstad will be watching over all of us. God Bless him!
Susie Miller
March 12, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of this loss for the Kjenstad family and friends. Lowell taught Agricultural Self-Reliance and I learned so much from that class! He sparked a love for science and nature that has also remained with me to this day.
Gretchen Cates
March 12, 2014
A wonderful man... I will remember his classes fondly, and he taught me so much that I actually retained. He will be missed. Sincere Condolences
March 12, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Kjenstad Family! Myrna and Lowell raised very kind Children, our prayers are with you at this time! I have only kind, and good memories of all of you! Bless you all! The Cool Family!
Heidi Wood
March 12, 2014
My heart smiles and weeps, when thinking of the loss of this special man. I feel truly blessed to have known "Loretta's Grandfather". The kind words, the positive encouragement along with the smile & laughs will be cherished memories. Thoughts, prayers & hugs to the whole family.
Joe & Geraldine Black
March 12, 2014
AM so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Lowell and Peter. It is a sad time for family but know you have many friends to help you through and lots of happy memories of your dad.
Diane Pooler
March 12, 2014
Reading all the wonderful post for a great man warms my heart. We all seemed to feel special just knowing this man. He taught me alot in the ways of "self reliance" in a self reliance class he taught that set me on a path of simple,clean living that I still live to this day. And of course Earth Science,and Biology. One of my favorite teachers. Condolences to the family. He has begun a great journey...Thank You Mr kjenstad
Paula Barnaby Smith
March 12, 2014
My deepest sympathy on the passing of such a special man. So important to my formative years in the Bingham Congregational Church. He challenged us as youth to think deep. I have thought often over my life of the time during confirmation when we were charged with writing the essay, "I believe .......". It is my first memory of realizing, I have a real choice in how I chose to believe and live my life.
March 12, 2014
One of the people that most inspired me to look at the Stars Earth and the physics of this Universe is at Peace and I appreciate all he did for me and the people of Bingham,Maine and area.... Smart Man...... :)
Giselle (McIntyre) Nightingale
March 12, 2014
My sympathy to the Kjenstad family. I will always remember him as a wonderful teacher.
Barbara Hunt Striker
March 12, 2014
My condolences to the Kjenstad family. He was an impressive part of my youth at church and Pilgrim fellowship in Bingham, Me.
Martha Sterling-Golden
March 12, 2014
Lyn and family, such a sad loss for you, but what a great run he had! And a quick wit. A story: I remember in 8th grade, probably, riding to UMF with him,my mother and another teacher when they were all taking classes to recertify their credentials. About this time of year, we hit a giant frost heave, causing me to cry out, "J**** C*****!", followed by shocked silence. Without missing a beat, your dad said, "…loves us all." I hope the advent of spring brings healing to your hearts.
Robin (Judd) Robinson
March 12, 2014
My condolences to the entire Kjenstad family.....never a nicer gentleman did I meet. You are in my thoughts.
kim davis
March 12, 2014
My sincere condolences to the whole family. He was a great fella and teacher. I have alot of wonderful memories going through my mind as i write this
Ross Steward
March 12, 2014
My sincere sympathy to all of Lowell's family. Lowell was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Dick Rollins
March 12, 2014
He was one of the good guys, and always a friend to me.
March 12, 2014
Lyn,barbie and crystal we are sorry for your loss,RON and BELINDA
Connie McVey
March 11, 2014
Lowell will be deeply missed. He was always such a dapper gentleman, wearing a beautiful suit each and every Sunday at the UU church--greeting everyone at the door with a smile and kind words. He had such a wit to him--ready with some quick, striking words to wake you up. God bless him and his family. My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time.
Charlie Mock
March 11, 2014
I regret not having met Lowell sooner. It was a blessing to know him these past two years. Peace be upon his family.
Michele Strout
March 11, 2014
Lowell always had something nice to say. He will be greatly missed.
Pam Healy
March 11, 2014
Sending blessings to Lowell's family and friends. I will miss him greatly at church. He was a real sweetheart and, as I told him, so handsome.
March 11, 2014
So sorry to hear of the passing of Lowell. He was one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with building and maintaining the museum. Cliff & Thelma Vining
March 11, 2014
What a man! I met Lowell at the Cole Museum.He was so helpful to so many people. I hope I can be half the man Lowell was. How do you replace such a great man! Chuck Knowlen, Cole Museum volunteer.
Laurie Cartier
March 11, 2014
It has been such a blessing to have Lowell in my life. I will miss him so much and I send you all my love as we make our way through this difficult time.
March 11, 2014
Lowell amd Myrna were dear freinds when we attended The UU Church. He did my Grandmother's funeral that was so lovely. Very special people with big hearts. He did so much for others. He will truly be missed.God Bless your family during this difficult time. Debbie Gardiner Leighton
Don & Joan Hansen
March 11, 2014
Pep, Peter, Paula and Lynn,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad. We have many fond memories of him when we were neighbors in Bingham.
Carolyn Belanger
March 11, 2014
To Lowell's Family,
I took a lot of great photo's of Lowell at Cole's Museum. He had a wonderful smile and great laugh. Lowell was a dear man. He will be missed by everyone who know him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Carolyn Belanger
March 11, 2014
So sorry to here of Lowells passing My husband and I worked with him at the Cole Land Transportation Museum for many years
George and Jojo Adams
Steve & Jayne (Steward) Curtis
March 11, 2014
Pepper, Peter, Paula, Lyn and families...our sympathies and prayers for you all at this time of loss. Your dad was a sweet and kind man. Knew you all from our Bingham days, met up with he and your mom in Bangor when we lived there and even had a visit with them in Yuma several years ago. He will be missed by many.
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