Dennis "Denny" Duane Lowe

Dennis “Denny” Lowe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 28 at St. John’s Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 29, 1952, in Austin, MN, Denny was the cherished son of Glenn and Ruth (Heydt) Lowe. He grew up on the family farm near Rose Creek, MN, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for mechanics that would shape his life.

Denny attended Rose Creek High School, where he played football and built his first stock car in shop class. He graduated in 1970 and began working at Wilson & Co in Albert Lea later that year. In September 1971, Denny enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction for four years on active duty and two years in the reserves. During his service, he spent 13 months in Seoul, Korea, and 2½ years at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, working in munitions maintenance. He was honorably discharged in September 1977.

After his military service, Denny returned to the meatpacking industry, working for Wilson’s, Farmstead, and Farmland for 20 years in various roles, including the smoked meats and sausage departments. He later worked at Slidel in Owatonna, fabricating packaging machines, and performed part-time welding for Jim & Dude’s Plumbing & Heating. Denny’s career culminated with 26 years of service in Utility Maintenance for the City of Albert Lea at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he demonstrated his natural mechanical abilities and dedication to his work.

On March 21, 1972, Denny married his high school sweetheart, Jo Samuelson. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure, raising three sons, Darrell, Chris, and Ryan, and one daughter, Paula. Denny cherished the time spent with his family, especially the many camping trips filled with games, campfires, and marshmallow roasting. He was a devoted father who took great pride in attending his children’s activities, from baseball and marching band to soccer, swimming, and Special Olympics.

Denny was a proud and doting grandfather to seven grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. He loved spending time with them, sharing hugs, laughter, and his signature teasing. Watching his grandchildren participate in sports, plays, and school events brought him immense joy.

An avid sports fan, Denny passionately followed the Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves, and especially the Vikings. He loved the outdoors and spent 37 years cutting trees, splitting wood, and hauling logs to heat his home-often alongside his sons. His sense of humor was one of his greatest qualities, and he maintained it even during his toughest health challenges, brightening the days of his caregivers with his jokes and playful banter.

Denny was a member of the Day-Breakers Kiwanis Club and a devoted parishioner of St. Theodore’s Catholic Church. His life was a testament to hard work, family values, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone he met.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jo; his children, Darrell (Staci), Chris (Erin), Ryan (Sarah), and Paula; grandchildren, Jes (Cody) Miranda, Hayden, Bailey, Liam, Isaac, Elijah Lowe, and Daniel (Angela) Brown; great- granddaughters, Paizley, Liv, and Liza; his brother Larry; sister Glenda (Verdell) Wiertzema; mother-in-law Roma Samuelson; sisters-in-law Janet Lowe, Penny Kinney, Rebecca (Eddie) Butts, and Rhonda (Michael) Halbach; brothers-in- law Gordon Cimmiyotti and Jay (Angela) Samuelson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruth Lowe; brothers Donald and Arnie Lowe; sister Sharon Cimmiyotti, father-in-law Harold Samuelson; sister-in-law Mary Lowe; brother-in-law Steve Kinney, and niece Tori Kosberg.

Denny’s legacy of love, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family will be forever cherished by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the countless lives he touched.

Denny’s family will welcome guests to visit between 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, Friday January 3rd, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea. A memorial service in his honor will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 4th, at St. Theodores Catholic Church in Albert Lea; visitation will begin one hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to The Life Center of Freeborn County, The Hormel Institute, The Ronald McDonald House and the Albert Lea Community Theatre.