Raymond Lowenberg

Raymond C. Lowenberg, 91, of Ankeny, formerly ofBelmond, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home in Ankeny.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 3rd Street Northeast, in Belmond.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with a Rosary starting at 10:30 AM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Raymond Charles Lowenberg, was the 11th child, born to Justin and Julia (Kiplinger) Lowenberg of Swaledale, Iowa on January 4, 1933.

He received his schooling in Belmond, Iowa, and joined the Army along with his friend, Swede Nelson, on August 9, 1948. He was involved in a serious car accident while on furlough from the service and was hospitalized for several months. After recuperating, he was sent to Japan. Due to his prior injuries, he was honorably discharged on January 18, 1950.

Ray had met Mildred Smith while on furlough from the Army and they dated when he returned. Millie’s Dad purchased a farm in Missouri late 1950, in turn, Ray asked Millie to marry him. The couple was united in marriage on January 27, 1951.

After his military departure, Ray worked at various jobs before he settled at the bean processing plant south of Belmond. He continued to work there until his retirement in 1996. The plant had several owners during this time and many workers became close friends during the years they worked together.

Ray and Millie had five children born from 1952 to 1959, Cathy, Danny, Douglas, Dennis and Pamela. Both parents worked during this time and shared the care of the kids. None-the-less, Ray was able to find the time to work a 2ndjob, to enjoy the used Harley-Davidson motorcycle he purchased, to take flying lessons and joined some friends in the purchase of an airplane. He was also an avid car fan and managed to purchase a new car every other year or so. He enjoyed a busy long life.

Ray shared Millie’s enjoyment of travel both in the states and overseas. He never lost his enthusiasm for shopping and caring for cars. He was a perfectionist in every way; everything had to be just so.

Ray is survived by his wife of 72 years Mildred “Millie” of Ankeny; children: Cathy (Kent) Korthas, Dan (Nancey) Lowenberg, Doug (Melody) Lowenberg, Dennis (Janyne) Lowenberg and Pamela Cisco; 11 grandchildren Christopher, Kylie, Kim, Lauren, Spencer, Shane, Jille Andrew, Connie, Christine and Caroline; 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Justin and Juila, all of siblings: Marvel, Mary, Sylvester, Leonard, Melvin, Kenny, Philip, Richard, Evelyn and Pat, grandson Anthony and son-in-law Roy Cisco.