Helen Lowell

Helen M. Lowell, age 88 of Lancaster, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Atrium Post Acute Care in Lancaster. She was born December 28, 1927, the daughter of Carl and Alma (Trollop) Graney. Helen graduated from Platteville High School in 1945. She married Robert L. Lowell on August 30, 1952, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. Helen began her career at the former Union State Bank in Lancaster. In 1968, Bob and Helen opened Lowell Plumbing and Heating. She would later be employed at Farmer's Telephone Company for over forty years and then at Pioneer Directories. Helen was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. She enjoyed being a member of the bowling league and received a fifty year recognition award. Bob and Helen spent many years enjoying their cabin at Jay's Landing in Bagley. When Bob passed away in 2002, Helen not only lost the love of her life, but her favorite fishing partner. Helen was a Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. She dearly loved her family and keeping up with their activities.

Surviving is her daughter: Susan (Ed) Hermsen; three grandsons: Christopher (Claire), Robert (Laura), and John (Madison) Hermsen; four great-grandchildren: Isaac, Emmett, Ashlyn, and Elle Hermsen; and a sister: Shirley Schaal; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Carl and Alma Graney, Helen is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, sisters: Ivanelle (Jack) Tucker, Pat (Arnie) Junk, and Berna Graney; a brother, Dale Graney; and a brother-in-law, Dale Schaal.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, with Reverend Mark Hoehne Officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.