Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison.
Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs. He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class. After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958. Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun. He was very proud to have played in several state events, the most memorable being the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. While serving in the Army Band, he also attended Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., achieving both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Education.
While in Washington, Lowell was introduced to Maureen Phelan by their mutual friend, Father Twohig. Lowell proposed on their third date, and Maureen accepted on the fifth date. They were married three months later, on March 27, 1967 in Bowie, Maryland. The couple remained very happily married and in love for 57 years.
Lowell’s first teaching position was at the University of Delaware where he taught piano, while also working as a church organist in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area. He soon accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in August of 1968 as a piano and organ professor in the Music Department. He was proud to have been awarded the W. P. Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award in 1977. Lowell was eventually promoted to Chairman of the Music Department and remained in that role until retirement in 1997. Throughout his time at the University, he was an active organist in many local churches, eventually serving for 30 years as the principal organist and music director for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Janesville. In addition to playing organ, he led the vocal and bell choirs by directing, arranging and sometimes composing music for their services. Lowell was also a member of the American Guild of Organists.
Lowell had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a huge fan of terrible puns and was the king of bad “dad jokes.” He even created his own version of Pig Latin that used to send his kids into fits of laughter when he’d start jabbering. He was always quick with a witty observation, but always respectful and kind when poking fun. His favorite joke of all time had the punchline “got any grapes?”. For decades, whenever there was a lull in conversation or if the mood needed lightening, you’d just hear him ask “got any grapes?”. It was funny every time. His humor will be missed dearly.
Lowell enjoyed classical music and opera and going to the symphony. He was passionate about practicing piano and organ. He was an avid reader and enjoyed solving word and jigsaw puzzles. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family – particularly the kids and grandkids.
Lowell is survived by his wife, Maureen; children, Eileen (James) Marshall of Portage, Kirsten Whidden of Whitewater, Deirdre Youngs of Madison, Kevin Youngs of Madison, Heather (Andrew) Flood of Evansville; grandchildren, Christopher (Courtney Erickson) Marshall, Kayleigh (Cameron Keenan) Marshall, Elora Whidden, Devin Flood, Ethan Flood; sister-in-law, Myra Lou Youngs; and many nieces and nephews.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Violet Youngs; and siblings, Bernita Youngs, Kenneth Youngs, and Linda Youngs.
Donations can be made in Lowell’s name to the Care for All program through Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.
The family would like to give special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care of Lowell.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
