GANGSTAD, Lowell M. 1935-2018

GANGSTAD

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 6/10/2020 at 22:46:40

Lowell Morris Gangstad

January 8, 1935 - July 1, 2018

Lowell Morris Gangstad 83, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

A Christian funeral service for Lowell will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, with Reverend Judy Converse officiating. Military honors will be accorded by members of Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779 of Northwood.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the church, and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that memorial contributions be made to the First Lutheran Church in Northwood, or to the music department at Luther College, @ www.luther.edu/giving .

Burial will be held at a later date in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave South, Northwood is in charge of the arrangements.

Lowell was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, on January 8, 1935, to loving parents, Morris and Lillian, and was raised on their family's dairy farm in Deerfield, Wisconsin. He attended school in Cambridge, Wisconsin, and after graduating he enrolled at Luther College and majored in music education. This is where he met Leila, his wife of 60 years. Lowell served his country as a member of the Air Force National Guard and Reserve from 1958 to 1964.

Lowell's passion for music and his strong faith in a loving God grew as he participated in the Luther College Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble, his mentor and life-long friend. He finished his Masters of education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and continued to study choral music under nationally-recognized choral director, Robert Shaw, in San Diego.

These educational experiences prepared him well for his 39-year teaching career in the Northwood-Kensett School District. From 1957 to 1996, he shared his love for music and inspired hundreds of students as they participated in one of his choirs, small groups, or musical plays and variety shows. He enjoyed many years of preparing students for state music contests and judging music contests throughout north Iowa.

Shortly after moving to Northwood in the fall of 1957, Lowell joined First Lutheran Church as Choir Director. He served in this capacity for 61 years. While at First Lutheran Church, he directed the Senior Choir, Junior and Golden Tone Choirs, and taught Sunday school. He started Candlelight Services for the church 45 years ago and directed many Easter and Lenten Contatas, as well as numerous community and mass choirs in the north Iowa region.

For the past 22 years, Lowell has worked for the Hogan-Bremer Funeral Home. His gentle, kindhearted spirit was evident as he drove limousine, helped with services, and often times sang for funerals. For the past 12 years he has been a proud member of the North Iowa Choral Society. He was an active member of the Jaycees and Northwood Lions Club and, for 20 years, served as a board member for the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch of Worth County. He supported and was involved in countless community events and activities.

Lowell has been a loving role model for his entire family. He married his wife, Leila, 60 years ago, after they met at Luther College. He was an amazing father to four daughters: Sandra (Gary) Hess, Lori Kendall (Gary Goeman), Julie (Matt) Grotnes and Kari (Jeff) Johnson. Eight grandchildren: Alex Hess, Abby (Sam) Prentice, Emily (Nick) Nelson, Elsa Kendall, Sam and Ben Grotnes, and Tyler and Drew Johnson. More recently, he celebrated the birth of his first great-granddaughter Hazel Nelson.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

SOURCE: Mason City Globe Gazette, 2 July 2018