Lowell Petzoldt

Our beloved Lowell Keith Petzoldt met his Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Fulton Manor in Wauseon, Ohio, at the age of 71. Lowell was born on July 7, 1954, in Perryville, Missouri, the son of Tillmon and Ruth (Rohde) Petzoldt. He was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism on July 25, 1954, and was confirmed in the Christian faith on April 11, 1968. His confirmation verse was "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20b KJV.

Lowell graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville in 1968 and Perryville High School in 1972. In 1976 he graduated from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska and later received a Master's degree there in 1982. While at Concordia, Lowell met Renee Wagner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They married on May 28, 1976. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Blake and Courtney.

Lowell received a divine call to teach at St. John Lutheran School in Napoleon, Ohio in 1976 and taught grades three and four for 44 years. During his years of teaching, Lowell enjoyed coaching flag football, soccer, basketball and track. He also served as athletic director for the school, Northwest Ohio Lutheran League and coordinated state basketball tournaments. He served 4 years as a Lutheran Education Association/Lutheran Elementary Teachers executive. He also received a National Teachers award at the 1997 National Teacher's Forum in Washington DC.

Lowell enjoyed hands-on projects, especially outdoor projects. He taught 24 years at outdoor education for Napoleon Area Schools. He enjoyed fishing in Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Canada. He especially enjoyed fishing in Missouri with a net-just as Jesus' disciples did.

Lowell is survived by his son Blake (Kristin) Petzoldt of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter Courtney Petzoldt (fiancé Wes Howard) of Hilliard, Ohio, brother Shirrel (Janet) Petzoldt of Holland, Ohio, sister Diane Miller of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, brother Lyle (Michelle) Petzoldt of Sedgewicksville, Missouri, sister-in-law Robin Wagner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and dear grandchildren Quinn and Scarlett Petzoldt of Pittsburgh. Also surviving are niece Joy (Christopher) Hansell, nephew Andrew (Alyssa) Petzoldt, nephews Aaron and Wylie Miller, niece Candice Petzoldt, nephew Dustin Petzoldt and great niece and nephew Ivy Petzoldt and Jonathan Hansell. Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife of 47 years, Renee Petzoldt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church starting at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Logan Scheiwe officiating. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/@sjlservices5068. A private burial will take place at a later date at the church cemetery. A time of visitation and support will be held at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, St. John Lutheran School, St. John Church fund or choice of the donor.