Lowell S. "Bud" Oxsen

Lowell Oxsen Obituary

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Lowell S. "Bud" Oxsen

Just three weeks short of his 84th birthday, Bud Oxsen died in San Jose, CA, on March 27, 2006, at his beloved hilltop farmhouse, surrounded by Helen, his devoted wife of 62 years; their 4 children: Kris (and Rich) Morrella, Jerry (and Susan) Oxsen, Mike (and Laurel) Oxsen, Laurie (and Mike) Pianka; their 12 grandchildren: Jason, Monica (Hoppe) and Brady Morrella; Courtney and Greg Oxsen; Nick, Jon, Nathan and Robert Oxsen; Donna, Andy and David Pianka; their 2 great-grandchildren: Fletcher and Leo Hoppe, and nephew Spencer Virgil. Bud is, also, survived by his brother Melvin and his wife Miriam.Bud was born in Oakland, CA, but grew up in the Mojave Desert town of Daggett, where he became an avid rock collector and a hard-working individualist. As a first lieutenant in the Marines, he flew B-25s in the South Pacific in World WarII, igniting a life long passion for aviation.After graduating from the University of Pacific Dental School in 1954, Bud opened his own dental office in Willow Glen where he cared for three generations of families for over 35 years. We will remember Bud's fondness for arguing politics, fishing, building and fixing things, and bragging about his close-knit family. Services will be at Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, Saturday April 1, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 95128 would be appreciated.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Mar. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Lowell Oxsen

13 Entries

Donna Zuniga

March 24, 2020

Grandpa, I miss you. Ive been thinking about you and Grandma a lot lately. Many of your theories are coming to fruition now and I cant help but think about how you were right all along. Im glad I took the time to listen.

As Im sure youve seen, you have two more great-grandchildren now! Zander is four and Magnus will be one on April 18th so close to your birthday. They are amazing boys. I wish you could have met them.

Things are a lot different now and I hope and pray that you continue to watch over us all.

Love Always,
Donna

Donna Pianka

March 30, 2007

Grandpa,
You have always meant so much to me...and I think about you (and miss you) every day. Thank you so much for your unconditional love and support. "My, don't you look pretty today"--that's one phrase that I'll never forget. I love you so much.

Laurie Pianka

March 30, 2007

It seems impossible that Dad has been gone for a year. Everytime I see an interesting book at a bookstore I still find myself thinking I bet Dad would like that book. Then I feel sad once again that he is gone and we can't share anymore. Because that is what Dad would always do, is share in your interests, or what to know what the grandchildren were up to. The pride he felt just looking at his grandchildren never failed to wrap them in warmth and love. Everytime one of the kids grows another inch I think boy Grandpa would have loved to have seen that David is almost 6'6". Anything they did was great and amazing in his book. It comforts me to know that Dad is still watching and waiting to hear the latest about Mom,the kids, grandkids and greatgrandchildren and his unconditional love is as constant as ever. This year anniversary also reminds me to rekindle a habit he had at family parties of telling all his daughters and daughter-in-laws and granddaughters how great they were looking. No matter how he was feeling he'd take the time to welcome you and tell you something like, "wow you're looking good tonight, is that a new outfit?" It didn't matter if it was true or not because it was true in his eyes. I'll never stop missing you Dad and am comforted that,God willing, I'll one day join you in Heaven.Your daughter,
Laurie

Laurel Oxsen

March 30, 2007

I have always said that I could not have picked better in-laws. I have known the Oxsen Family since I was in grade school and when I married Michael I became a part of this wonderful Oxsen Family.
I will remember Bud as a caring man and a loving grandfather to our boys. He was always interested in what they were doing with their lives, and his love was unconditional. They spent many exciting times with him on the farm, doing any number of fun projects Grandpa always seemed to be involved in.
It hardly seems possible that a whole year has passed and I miss Bud's presence at the family gatherings. He will always be in my thoughts.
Love, Laurel

Monica Morrella Hoppe

March 29, 2007

It is hard to believe it was a full year ago that the whole family gathered to see grandpa off, to mourn his passing, to celebrate his life, and to take comfort in and enjoy the company of the amazing family he and grandma created and nurtured. I do not feel like he has been absent from my life for a whole year. I still feel his presence, both through memories and in the strength I continue to draw from his unconditional love and support, a gift and comfort that did not end with his passing. Fletch, Leo, and I go to the Air and Space Museum to visit him and talk to him. They are positive GGPA’s ghost is in the B-25 at the museum and love to run around and tell everyone in the museum where GGPA's plane is. Grandpa is such a strong character that Leo and Fletch, at only three and five, have him indelibly etched in their memories. Grandpa experienced a lot in his long and full life, touched many people, and carried our family through many ups and downs. Just as I have always felt secure in his love and support, I hope he knows how proud I am to be his granddaughter.

Jason Morrella

March 29, 2007

Grandpa,

There's no way to fully articulate how much you have meant to me and the entire family. I have been truly blessed to have such amazing, wonderful and loving grandparents. I have such great memories with you over the years - from going on errands with you as a child (riding in what seemed like the largest truck in the world), all the times you were so generous and willing to help me work on my car or build the bar at my apartment, to all the wonderful family gatherings held at your farm. Those are just a few of the many memories I will always cherish and carry with me. You meant so much to so many. Thank you so much for being such a great influence and pillar of strength to look up to.

Love Always,

Jason

Mary Alice Collins

March 26, 2007

I first knew about Bud as the father of my good friend Kris, but when I decided to try him out as our family dentist, I got to know him in a whole new way. When I'd go for my dental appointment, I always felt like I was stepping back in time to my small town, midwestern roots. Being in Dr. Oxsen's office was such an experience of home-town friendliness; he always was interested in chatting about what was going on in my family... and of course, was also eager to engage me in conversation about whatever his current political concern might be! His was definitely NOT an office where he rushed from room to room, with a patient waiting in each space, and a hygenist to do much of the preliminary work. He took total care of my teeth himself! And he took his time. I learned to schedule the first appointment in the morning, knowing he might get so involved in conversation with those ahead of me that I would have to read an awful lot of conservative political publications in the waiting room while I waited for my turn. (Come to think of it, maybe that was his strategy!) But his skill as a dentist was worth waiting for... and so I continued to block off the time I knew it would require every time I went to see him. Even today... every time I open my mouth at my new dentist's office...he stares in amazement, and with a bit of awe in his voice says, "Look at that gold work!! Nobody does this kind of beautiful gold work anymore! This man was a true artist and his work is amazing!"

I also remember his big heart! One example: When Kris and I were concerned about one of our students from Girls Adolescent Residential Center, Bud actually took her under his wing...offered to have her work in his office and train her to be a dental assistant. This was clearly way above and beyond what would happen in most Dental Offices in this valley! Again... this was more like a small midwestern town where people took the time to know and care for one another... and he certainly did that! His commitment to his work, and to his patients was a true gift to all of us.

Brady Morrella

March 26, 2007

The thing I will always remember most about my Grandpa is his deep love for the huge family that he built with Grandma. I have never met someone with such genuine interest and pride in his family. He always wanted details about how we were doing and what we were up to and made every member of this wonderful family feel important and dear to him. It will remain a goal of mine to continue to make you proud, Grandpa! Thank you so much for always being there and for continuing to watch over us.
With Love,
Brady

Kris Morrella

April 13, 2006

Dear Dad,

It would have been your 84th birthday today. I'm thinking of you and still struggling with the knowledge that you're gone. Knowing that you are no longer suffering hasn't made it easier to let go. Fortunately, memories of you are alive within us. I still see your face and feel your love. Your oldest daughter...

Louise Siddall

April 11, 2006

Sixty-two years! You and Bud had a wonderful life together. Time now to remember him as he was through the years--full of humor and love of life. I wish we could be closer during these difficult days.

Rocky & Toni Morrella

March 31, 2006

Toni & I were saddened to hear of Bud's passing. We have fond memories and our condolences go out to the entire family. He will be in our prayers and missed.

John&Barbara Hutsler

March 30, 2006

Lowell cared for our whole family over the years. Our deepest sympathy from our family to the Oxsen family.

Tanya Johnson

March 30, 2006

I just wanted to send my condolences to the entire Oxsen family. He was a very good man with a kind heart. He will never be forgotten.

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