Lowell L. Stutzman

Lowell Leon Stutzman was born in Salem, Oregon, on August 1, 1951, the eldest child of Leon and Luella (Sharer) Stutzman. He spent the first five years on a farm in Salem. At the age of five he moved with his parents and younger brother to Grants Pass, Oregon, where they helped plant a Mennonite Church. He attended ten years of school in Grants Pass before transferring to Salem to complete his final two years of high school at Western Mennonite School, graduating in 1969. It was there he met his wife, Patricia Schrock. They were married August 14, 1970. Lowell and Patty are the parents of five children: Derek, Maria, Kyle, Monica, and Nicole. They are also proud to be "second parents" of five: Michele Rebozzi, Joshua Yoder, Jan Helgers, Delbert Warkentin, and Katie Mount. Lowell worked with his parents in the family business, Farmer's Building Supply, at an early age. He was employed one year at Bauman's Lumber Mill in Lebanon before marrying Patty and heading off to a year of education at Eastern Mennonite College in Virginia. He finished his college degree at Oregon College of Education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. While finishing his studies, he worked at Western Mennonite School as Director of Development, counselor, teacher, and soccer and basketball coach. He returned to Grants Pass in 1978 to help out for a time at the family business. He was currently managing the business with his brother, Mark, and pastoring New Hope Bible Church. When he had time, Lowell enjoyed running and working out, cycling, fishing, working in his shop, and sharing the love of Jesus with everyone he met. But he was most alive preaching the Word at his home church and around the world. He served several terms on the Mennonite Brethren Mission Board and made numerous mission trips to South America, Asia, Europe, Mexico, and various places in the United States. He often took groups of people with him to experience sharing the Word and serving others in Third World countries. Studying the Bible, talking to his Father in heaven, and serving were his passions. Lowell went to be with his Lord on Monday, March 21, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Patty; sons, Derek and Julie (Uhl) Stutzman and Kyle and Meena (Magar) Stutzman, Grants Pass; daughters, Maria and Wendell Miles, Edmonton, Alberta, Monica and Jesse Abeler, Edmond, Oklahoma, and Nicole Murray, Grants Pass; six grandchildren; Allison Stutzman, Caleb and Jacob Stutzman, and Jenna-Lee, Devin, and Sierra Miles; his parents, Leon and Luella Stutzman; two brothers, Douglas and Mark, Grants Pass; and numerous extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Bible Church (2600 New Hope Road, Grants Pass, OR 97527), and marked In Memory of Lowell. Monies will be used for various mission projects Lowell was involved in in Latin America and at New Hope Christian School.

Visitation Details

Thursday, March 24th, 2016 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Stephens Family Chapel

Service Information

Saturday, March 26th, 2016 10:30am, River Valley Community Church

Interment Details

Fairview Mennonite Cemetery