Robert Lower

Robert W. Lower, age 78, of Milbank, SD,  passed away on March 27, 2021, at his residence.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 31, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 1, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo, ND, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dave Motta will officiate.  Burial will be held on Friday, April 2, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Minot, ND at 11:00 a.m.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is required, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Casket bearers will be: Madison Bowsher, Wesley Bowsher, Carter Bowsher, Braylen Bowsher, Madison Schulte, and Elsie Rogers.  Honorary bearers will be: Scott and Becky Dunker, Tracy and Dennis Gramps, Laramie TeScher, and Faith UMC Men’s Group.

Robert Wesley Lower was born on September 14, 1942, in Eureka, CA.  He was the son of James Wesley and Evelyn (Norenberg) Lower. Bob grew up in Arcata, CA, where he attended school and graduated from high school. Bob was united in marriage with Ada Shaffer on October 24, 1964.

Bob served in the United States Air Force for 25 years. He served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Bob was stationed at Minot Air Force Base, Minot, ND, when he was honorably discharged on September 30, 1983.

Bob worker as a Professor of Business at Minot State University. He and Ada were missionaries for the United Methodist Conference, working with Children of the Harvest.  From that mission Bob and Ada started Spirit Lakes Reservation Ministry. Bob worked a variety of other jobs including tree farmer and business owner. He later worked as the business manager at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo, ND.

Bob lived his Christian life though selfless acts and helping others in need.  He had a huge heart for missions.  He worked for the Dakotas United Methodist Conference Foundation as a Disaster Relief Coordinator and UMCOR for Minot Flood Relief. He and Ada donated countless hours to The Lord’s Cupboard Food Panty and Taste of Heaven Soup Kitchen.  He was active with the church’s men’s ministry and offered leadership and volunteerism. He was a kind hearted man, always available, and would help anyone, day or night (especially his grandchildren)! He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans.

Bob loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.  He loved to grill and cook for his family.  He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing. Bob especially loved and cherished his family.  He and Ada were a “team.” They did almost everything together with Christian love and spirit.  His daughters and grandchildren knew how much Bob adored and loved his wife! Together they set an example of what a loving and happy marriage looks like. They were a compliment to each other.

Bob and Ada moved to Milbank, SD, to be closer to his daughters: Tami and Deb. He suffered a short illness, but was surrounded by his family and Christian love from the community.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Ada of Milbank, SD; his daughters: Tami (Lonnie) Boschee of Milbank, SD; Deb (Thom) Bowsher of Milbank, SD; an extended daughter, Tracy (Dennis) Gramps of Bellevue, NE; grandchildren: Madison Bowsher, Wesley Bowsher (Madison Schulte), Carter Bowsher (Elsie Rogers), Braylen Bowsher, and extended granddaughter, Laramie TeScher; sisters: Evelyn (Mike) Boydstun of Redding, CA; and Jan Smith of Redding, CA; many nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents: James and Evelyn; two infant sons; granddaughter, Alexis; and sister, Alice Hopkins.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to your local food panty or soup kitchen.