Obituary of Terry Duane Lowe

On Sunday, March 20th, a sunny, first day of spring afternoon, another saint went marching into heaven into the loving arms of his Savior, where he joined his beloved, and much missed wife, Mae. His family was there to help him in his journey at the Solvay Hospice House, a most amazing facility! Terry was born in Duluth, MN to Duane and Celina Lowe on Jan. 21, 1938. He grew up in Proctor, MN, where he experienced what he described as a magical childhood of farm life, riding horses, victory gardens, and spending time with his best friend, his Grandpa Louie. He would often tell stories about how, as he grew older, he discovered that his family, along with many around them, were poor, but he never knew it ... He attended Proctor High School, where he sang in the choir, and played football. He was a smaller guy, but he was fast, and got the nickname "Whiz". In later years, both his girls, when encountering past classmates of Terry's, would often hear accolades of his football talents. Terry began working for US Steel, just prior to entering the U.S.A.F. He spent time in Biloxi, MS, at Keesler AFB, where he learned the skill of air traffic control. He went on to serve at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. Terry had great stories about serving in Okinawa, including the infamous "fish on the tarmac typhoon" story, which his family never failed to giggle about, despite his insistence of its truth! From there, it was a return home to Duluth, to marry his sweetheart, Eva Mae Johnson, followed by a move to Rantoul, IL, and Chanute AFB. Many memories were made there, including the birth of their first daughter, Diane. When Terry left the service, he was offered a job in air traffic control at O'Hare in Chicago, but he declined that stressful position and decided to return to his home in Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, he and Mae purchased a home at 22 Third St. in Proctor, and, soon after, celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Debbie. It was a neighborhood of families and children, and was the best place ever to raise their girls! After returning home, Terry also returned to US Steel in Morgan Park, where he held the position of crane operator until the plant closed. There was a brief moment when he nearly moved the family to Gary, IN, but instead, took a job at Minntac in Mt. Iron, MN. He was enrolled at Eveleth Tech, and received his millwright degree. Terry went on to work at Minntac in the agglomerator until his retirement. During his time there, he served as a grievance officer for the union. Post US Steel, Terry went on to work at Elim Lutheran Church as a custodian, as well as for Oneida and at St. Scholastica, also doing custodial work. Along the way, he met his best friend, George. Terry and Mae continued to live at 22 Third St. until Mae's mobility issues necessitated a move. Their buddy George encouraged a move to Zenith Terrace, where he and his wife Jan were living, and it turned out to be such a blessing! There, they enjoyed many years, made many friendships, and spent countless nights chatting on the deck or celebrating birthday club. When Mae's health required a move to St. Eligius, Terry was welcomed into his daughter, Diane, and son-in-law, John's home, where he lived until his very brief stay at Solvay. During his life, Terry wore many hats and had many interests. Some were described above, but Terry was also an accomplished wood worker, spending many hours in his much loved wood shop on Third St. He served the youth of Elim as a chaperone on many conventions and BWCA canoe trips, and was dubbed by the youth as Papa Smurf! He and Mae also did daycare, and became "grandparents" to the children they watched. A talented musician, Terry played both accordion and electric keyboard. He was, in fact, one of Johnny's first Duluth Accordionaires! Terry had a passion for fishing and enjoyed his many trips to Lake Kabetogama for the opener. He claimed to be the best fisherman on the lake, but that has been disputed by his fishing partners. Terry was a HUGE Disneyphile, and from the time his girls were young, was collecting comic books. He went on to collecting WAY more, and his girls were proud to have gotten him to Walt Disney World a few times, where, more than any ride or attraction, he just enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere! It was a joy of his! As Happy would say," You're never too old to be young!" Terry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mae, his parents, Duane and Celina, father and mother-in-law, Art and Eva Johnson, sister, Marceline LaDuke, other in-laws, and friends he considered family. He will be dearly missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Diane and John Strongitharm, who served as caregivers to him, his daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Giff Trethewey, his granddaughter and her husband, Sarah and Steve Schuyler, grandson, Bill Trethewey, great granddaughter, Emma Strongitharm, best friend, George Slinger, and family of the heart, Julie, Jack, and Cori Pelletier, and many other family and friends. We wish to thank everyone for the prayer and support that has been offered up, and we also wish to thank Dr. Adam Swank and the amazing caregivers at Solvey. Our dad was not a man of great means, but he was richer than any man we knew. He always wished to leave us something of value ... and he left us richer than he could have imagined. "...the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I will always be with you." Winnie The Pooh In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Papa Smurf Kids Camp Fund at Elim Lutheran Church would be appreciated. Memorial service Thursday, March 24th 2016 at 11 am at Elim Lutheran Church, Duluth, MN with a visitation one hour prior.