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Lowell Carl Wollitz was born on September 7th, 1949 in Britton, South Dakota, to Wesley K. and Florence M. Wollitz (Myhre).
Lowell and his only brother Wayne were raised on a farm nine miles south of Lidgerwood, North Dakota, where he attended a nearby one room country schoolhouse. He then graduated from North Dakota State College of Science with an associate degree in business and accounting.
Lowell began his forty year career in Wahpeton, North Dakota as a bank examiner, then transferred in 1974 to an office in Great Falls, Montana, which lead to a position at the First National Bank of Helena. From 1975 to 1986 Lowell served as the Banks Audit Administration Officer and Controller. From 1987 to 1993 he worked for the Bank of Montana as its Chief Operations Officer and Loan Officer. Then from 1993 to 2000 he worked for the Montana Highter Education Student Assistance Corporation (MHESAC) as its first Quality Assurance Manager. In 2000 MHESAC changed names to Student Assistance Foundation where he continued to work through retirement in 2010 as the Vice President of Borrower Services. Lowell’s retirement started out with a bang with a bottle of Jonnie Walker Blue Label scotch, a surprise from his children. He celebrated this significant milestone with family around the campfire at the family cabin in Lincoln. Lowell described retirement as six Saturdays followed by a Sunday – he enjoyed the extra time with family and friends.
He married Marcele Langendorfer in Wahpeton, North Dakota and together they had a son Jeremy Jon Wollitz. In 1983 Lowell married Linda Crawford in Helena and together they raised their children Jeremy Wollitz, Dan Backeberg, and Shannon Murray. Lowell was most proud of his family and his wife Linda of 40 years.
The foundation of our family, Lowell was a dedicated family man, devoted husband, loving father, and all-around wonderful man. He never met a stranger as he saw the best in everyone, and welcomed them with open arms. Lowell was a thinker and a planner: if you invited him to go do something, you’d better have a plan! Lowell was a man of many skills, hobbies and interests, proficient at everything he did and took great pride in his work. Lowell was well versed at his handyman skills and seemed he had no limitation to what he could do. Throughout the years a few of his skills included; knife making, fly tying, wood working, building archery components, reloading and gun smithing.
Lowell loved the great outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, floating Montana’s rivers, camping, and going for ATV rides on Montana’s abundant forest trails and roads. Lowell started shooting in competitive archery tournaments and leagues in the early 80’s which included numerous awards, Helena’s first perfect 300 score, dozens of trophies, and many robin hoods. Archery is also how he met Linda, his most precious trophy. His next shooting challenge included sporting clays and trap, both of which he earned perfect scores and clinched multiple first place titles. His love for hunting and shooting also led him to perfecting hand loads for hunting and long-range shooting. Lowell was an active member of the community where he taught bowhunter education, a member of Helena’s Exchange Club, Helena Street Roders car club and a devoted member of the church. In addition, he enjoyed visiting family and friends in North Dakota, Arizona, and traveling to new places along the way.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Florence, and his brother Wayne. Lowell is survived by his loving wife Linda of Helena, son Jeremy (Lisa) of Helena, son Dan (Bree) of Helena, and daughter Shannon (Neal) of Helena. As well as grandchildren Cole (Naomi), Aaron (Geniva), Nikki and Luke, Abbigale and Peyton, great grandchild Libby, and many others in his large extended family.
Lowell’s unselfish support and wisdom will be missed by family and friends alike.
A memorial service celebrating Lowell’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 16, 2024
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 16, 2024
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana
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Valerie Hamer Eickmeyer says
Prayers to Linda and all the family. Lowell was a wonderful kind man. Have fond memories of the Lowell and Linda. They were both so kind to my parents.
Tim & Kathy Royston says
Dear Linda & Jeremy, so sorry to learn about Lowell. He was a good friend to us for many years. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Greg & Dawn Field says
Linda and family, we were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of Lowell’s passing. He was a wonderful man, good friend and on a personal note, a true brother in Christ. He will missed by so many. We love you and are holding the Wollitz Family close in our hearts and prayers.
Jeffrey Cory says
So sorry to hear about Lowell. Worked with him for a few years. Our thoughts are with you Linda and family
Chuck and Kim Norman says
Linda
So sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing.
We are sending prayers to you and your family.
George & Deb Lane says
Linda
I am so sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing. So many memories of our time in the archery club. He was a good guy.
Brenda and Ron Deyerle says
Linda and family so sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing. We had so much fun shooting archery with Lowell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Jerry & Susan Goettle says
Linda and family;
A wounded heart will heal in time, and when it does,
the memory and the love of our loved one
Are sealed inside to comfort us.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Greg & Kay Culp says
Linda and family,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Lowell. He was so wonderful to work with all those years. He was never in a bad mood and was always so pleasant and love his family so much. He will be missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee and Kristi Paulsen says
Linda and family, We are so sorry about Lowell’s passing. He was such a nice man and a great neighbor. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Jordan says
My deepest condolences and sympathy to Lowell’s family.
I wish I had known Lowell, better than I did, but my memories of him are warm and friendly. His father, Wesley, and my mother, Mavis, were siblings, making Lowell my first cousin.
Family gatherings in Lidgerwood were delightful as his mother, Florence had a great sense of humor and a welcoming spirit.
Lowell reached out to me in May, after my sister passed away.
Please know I’m thinking of your family.
Jennifer Hanson Jordan
Don and Marsha Oliver says
We were so sorry to hear about Lowell passing away. He was such a nice person. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences to Linda and the family.
Glenda Anderson says
Linda,
There are no words. Only thoughts and prayers.
Glenda
Gary & Loretta Burnham says
Linda & family; we are so sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing. He was such a nice man. Always enjoyed visiting with you guys at car club events. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise Cook says
Linda and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I so enjoyed visiting with you and Lowell. He was a kind soul and will be missed. I hope you will, in time, be able to smile at all the wonderful memories you have of Lowell.
Julie and Rick Massaro says
Linda and family,
Our deepest condolences to you. I had the pleasure of working with Lowell at Bank of Montana Systems and then MHESAC/Student Assistance Foundation. He was always a bright spot in my day. He will be missed.
Londa Burns says
Linda and family. I am so sorry Lowell is gone. I always enjoyed visiting with him. I know he will be missed. Please take care.
Kelly Cresswell says
Linda and family – I was so sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing. I will be forever grateful for his kindness. Thinking of you all!
John Cherie Dahl says
Linda, so sorry about Lowell’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 😢🙏
jim stipcich says
Linda, Jeremy, Gary, Danny, Shannon, Wes and the entire family. Peg and I are so stunned and saddened by Lowell’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to each of you. Lowell was an incredible person, with the deepest love for each of you. He always led his life with impeccable integrity, reliability and commitment in all he ever undertook.
I had the good fortune to enjoy and know Lowell for more than 40 years from the days of all of us becoming archers (of which Lowell was truly a Master) to being a critical component (and working along side and as a part) of the foundation and leadership for MHESAC and SAF to the deepness of Lowell and Linda’s friendship as we all have moved on to retirement. Lowell, thank you for being a major and critical part of so many aspects my life.
We send each of you hugs and strength as we all apply the principles Lowell demonstrated every day to each of us. May God bless.
Ritch R says
Linda
So sorry a great person
I’m thinking of you
Ritch R
Nikki and Dean Johnson says
Linda and family- Dean and I are so saddened and send our deepest condolences to all of you. Lowell was not only Dean’s boss, but a true friend and mentor. We shared some fun trips and good laughs through the years and I know Dean will cherish those memories of Lowell. Please take care and know we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sincerely- Nikki and Dean Johnson
James and JoAnn Rogers says
Linda and family:
We are sorry for the loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. It is so hard to lose someone that you love especially when it happens unexpectedly. Memories of Lowell will be in your hearts and minds forever. You and the family are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort all of you during this difficult, sad and emotional time.
Jolene Selby says
Linda, I was so saddened to hear of Lowell’s passing. He was always fun to work with and had a great sense of humor. He was a steady man and could always be counted on to do what was required of him. The community lost a good man.
Jolene
Pat Fries Scott says
Linda and Family, I am so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Lowell. He was one of my late husband, Mike Fries, best friend as well as the Best Man at our wedding. I have very fond memories of Lowell. He was truly a very special and good man. My prayers will be with you all at this most difficult sad time.
Pat (Fries) Scott
Cheryl and Terry Fowler says
Linda, so sorry to learn of Lowell’s passing. We appreciated all of the knowledge you both gave us when we purchased our RV. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl and Terry
Rhonda Safford says
Linda and family – so sorry to hear about Lowell. What a wonderful person and such a nice man. I really enjoyed getting to know him at SAF. My thoughts are with all of you. Rhonda
Brenda Schutz says
Linda, Jeremy, Dan and Shannon,
I am sending my Deepest Sympathy to each of you.
I worked for Lowell at SAF. He was a wonderful man.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jenna Wollitz says
My deepest condolences to all of you. Lowell was a true delight to be around and will be missed greatly. I hope it gives you some comfort, as it does me, that he and my dad are probably fishing in heaven together now.
With all my love,
Jenna Wollitz (Charlie’s Daughter)
Diane Eby says
Linda and family, I am sorry for your loss. Lowell was a great guy and wonderful neighbor. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Marci Turney says
In my whole life, I have met many men. He is truly one of the best. I wish God would have left his here for longer to affect others with his wisdom, kindness and general goodness.
Sallie Losey says
I am so sorry to hear about Lowell. You are in my thoughts & prayers Linda and family.
Charity Mathews says
Lowell was such a kind man, a family man. He will be missed by many. Love and prayers, Linda, Shannon, and the entire family~
Susan D. DeBree says
Dear Linda, Danny, Jeremy, and Shannon, It is with my deepest sympathy that I send my love and prayers. It is such a shock to all of us. Lowell was one of the few people that always seemed to find the positive in people. I will always remember our times together both here, Seeley Lake and in Arizona. Lowell was a man of service and he will be missed at St John’s Lutheran Church. Hugs and prayers to you and the family.
Dan and Lonnie Collings says
Linda and family Dan and are so sorry for you loss. May you find comfort in all the memories you have shared.
Kelly (Crum) Perkins says
Linda & Family-
I was so heartbroken to hear of Lowell’s passing when Mom told me last week. My of my memories as a kid included you all. Hugs & lots of prayers for peace during this difficult time.
Marie Engstedt says
Linda, Danny, Shannon and families, I am so sorry for your loss of Lowell. He was such a great guy. I hope your fond memories of your time together will soften these difficult days and bring smiles along with the tears. My heart goes out to you all and I will be keeping you in my prayers. Sending warm hugs your way. Love, Marie
N. Wollitz-Moe says
Our Dearest friends and Family. We’re so sad to hear we lost Lowell. He was a Very Good Man. Extraordinary in countless ways. It was our good fortune to get to know him (And you too, Linda). Charlie, Russ and Corrine had numerous stories about growing up together; How grateful they feel for the memories. They expressed Great love and appreciaion for Lowell. As did Claude and Lilly. Our most sincere condolences are sent to Linda who we’re grateful to have spent time with the recent years. He loved you immensely. You were a beautiful pair. And to your children. We’re so sorry for the loss of your Father. And to all your family and friends who’ve lost a wonderful man. You are all in in thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Nancy Wollitz-Moe
Jenna Wollitz & Logan Fleischman
Marti R Johnson says
Lowell was a great man and a wonderful person to work with and for. He was always ready to do what needed to be done with a smile and good humor. He spoke of his family often and was very proud of you.
I will be thinking of you and holding you close in prayer as you grieve this loss. Love, Marti Johnson
Dean and Linda Schechter says
Linda and family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts and prayers. Lowell was an awesome person and loved his family deeply. He will live on in your fond memories as he will in ours. Hugs
Pete Sesselman says
The world is going to miss Lowell big time. Such an intelligent man that used his brain more than most before he spoke. He always applied himself whether it be to social conversation or shooting trap or 5 stand and likely everything else. He was always a gentleman that added positively to the things he chose to be involved with. A great person and great friend.
Christy Wise says
Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Lowell was a wonderful guy. We first worked together at 1st Bank and again at MHESAC/SAF. We had a lot of fun through the years and he was a great mentor. He will be missed.
Sharon Heigh says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lowell was an amazing man and always so friendly!
Sharon Baker Heigh and Family
Ed Virostko and Cindy Logan says
Linda,
We are so sorry for your loss of Lowell. Ed has so many good memories of time spent with him. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Ed Virostko and Cindy Logan
Susan Tarner says
Dear Linda and Wollitz Family: Working with Lowell at Student Assistance Foundation in the Quality Assurance Department goes down as one of my favorite job experiences. Lowell was a true mentor who became a treasured friend. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing and will cherish that I was lucky enough to have known him. Sending you comfort and lots of love.