Lowell Penz

Lowell Henry Penz of Rochester, Minnesota, quietly stepped into his heavenly home on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the age of 84. Born on June 12, 1939, to Carlton and Ruth Penz, Lowell's journey in life was marked by hard work and dedication.

Lowell attended Rochester schools, graduating in 1957 and went on to graduate from South Dakota State with a degree in civil engineering. After completing his education, he returned to work with his father at Rochester Block & Supply. Later, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing and successfully managing several local businesses, including Fraser Construction, Homes of Harmony, several mobile home parks, and Elcor Realty and numerous real estate projects. Lowell also mined gold in Alaska with his brother, David.

Lowell's biggest contributions may be in underground development. Nearly all of downtown Rochester bears the imprint of his expert demolition and reconstruction prowess as do several housing subdivisions. The most fulfilling endeavor was his involvement in building Timothy Chapel and Elizabeth Lodge for Autumn Ridge Church.

In 1958, Lowell married Darlene Peterson, and they were blessed with four children. In October 1995 Lowell found love again and married Sharon Morris Schultz welcoming Sharon's children into his family brought joy to Lowell's life, as did spending time with his own children.

Beyond his professional and family life, Lowell had an adventurous spirit. He took to the skies, reveling in the joy of flying and running the fixed-base operation at Rochester Airport. Additionally, Lowell was an avid hunter and had experiences hunting in numerous destinations such as British Columbia and Argentina. His love of motorcycles took him on long bike rides throughout the United States.

Lowell is survived by his spouse Sharon Penz; children Daniel (Terri) Penz, Rick (Christin) Penz, Tamara (Rob) McBane; grandchildren Todd (Autumn) Penz, Cory (Hilary) Penz, Jared (Kristen) Penz, Troy (Hannah) Penz, Matt (Kate) Penz, Drew (Laura) Penz, Nate (Lauren) Penz, Robbie (McKenna Ryan) McBane, Kate McBane, Ian McBane, Lilly McBane, and Alec McBane; Great grandchildren Brecken, Audrey, Sienna, Henry, Willow, Oliver, Judah, Mason, Emma, Sawyer, Bowen, Sophie, Lucy, Ella, Annie, Emily, William, and Olivia; sister Janice Perkins; Step children Mark (Silveria) Schultz, Stephen Schultz, David (Svetlana) Schultz; step daughter in law Monica Schultz; and step grandchildren David Schultz, Ruth Schultz, Ian Schultz, Paul Schultz, Mathew Schultz, Daniel Schultz, Rachel Schultz, Trinity Schultz, and Brianna Schultz.

He is preceded in death by his parents Carlton and Ruth Penz; his son Timothy Penz; his step children Elizabeth Schultz and Peter Schultz; and three brothers, David, Calvin and Howard.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11 AM at Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902). A visitation will be on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal PL NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to New Life Family Services and Faith at Home Ministries.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Penz family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.