Vernon H. Lowell

Vernon Lowell

June 30, 1942 – October 2, 2026

Vernon Lowell, beloved husband, died peacefully on October 2, 2026. His journey began in Wisconsin Rapids on June 30, 1942, the son of Ruth and Lawrence Lowell. While attending school in Wisconsin Rapids, Vern worked in a clothing store becoming the “best dressed high school student”, an attitude that remained with him all thru his life. Vern entered the University of Wisconsin Madison in the Fall of 1960, earning a BA in History while receiving a number of deferments for military service. But in 1968, he joined the Army becoming a 1st Lieutenant and serving in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star but was exposed to Agent Orange. The final months of Vern’s service were spent at Arlington Hall Station Virginia.

In 1968, Vern married the love of his life, Sylvia Christensen. Upon his discharge from the Army, they moved to the Madison area where Vern worked for 30 years for CUNA Mutual (TrueStage). He took an early retirement to indulge his many interests: camping, canoeing, gardening, traveling, and reading, as well as living a life of service. He was an active member of 1st Baptist Church in Madison, Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, Mound Vue Garden Club in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin Daylily Society, Wisconsin Hosta Society, and Toastmasters. Vern was passionate about protecting the environment to the point of ensuring that this final footprint would be size zero.

Friends and family were also very important to Vern. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia, a sister, Sandy Gray, in-laws, Jan (Hank) Carstens, Jon (Pat) Christensen, nephews, Chad (Tuesday), Casey (Corrine), Chuck (Becky), Shaun, and Jason, nieces, Heather (Michael), Heidi (Jesse), and Jackie (Ron) as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Lawrence Lowell, and his brother, Larry.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a donation be made to Agrace Hospice, Capitol Lakes Foundation or a nonprofit environmental organization of your choice.

A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be held on Friday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road with family and friends invited to gather from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434