Robert Leroy Lowenstein
Robert Leroy Lowenstein
Robert Leroy Lowenstein passed peacefully on July 8, 2017, from the comfort of his home where he was being lovingly cared for by family, to his Heavenly Home with Jesus. He was 76.
Bobby was born on April 3, 1941 in Fargo, North Dakota to Elizabeth Lowenstein. After her passing, when he was only five, Bobby was taken in and raised by his grandparents, John and Rosalia Lowenstein, on the family farm in Belfield, with aunts and uncles who became more like siblings; he was number fourteen. They were never rich by worldly standards, but rich in all things that really matter.
In 1962, at the age of 21, Bob married the love of his life, Elsie 
Ficek, in Denver, Colorado where they lived for four years before moving to Seattle. In 1971, Shannon was born, the pride of his life. To the end, she was daddy’s little girl, and he spoiled her in all the best ways. His role as dad deepened with the addition of his son-in-law, Scott; they had so much in common.
Bob’s career with General Electric spanned thirty-three years. He went from working in the electric rebuild shop to bringing in clients with large motor and electrical turbine repair jobs. From shop crew to corporate clients, his relationships with people were what he valued most. He retired in 1998 at the age of 57. This allowed him time to be a marvelous, Goofy Grandpa to the three luckiest grandkids ever.
Bob was a quiet, introspective man with a light-hearted sense of humor. He was generous with his time, talent and treasure. He loved to help people wherever there was a need, and he could repair anything. Elsie was always volunteering him to help her girlfriends. He enjoyed dining out and picking up the tab. He loved playing harmonica, wherever and whenever requested, including the waiting room at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards with family and friends, baking caramel and poppy seed rolls, and concocting delicious soups. He exercised five days a week, for forty plus years; whether jump roping on the street corner or working out at the gym, it was a lifestyle. Bob was a faithful member of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, where he was a lector and a member of Knights of Columbus.
While Kidney Cancer became a regular part of life in 2004, it never stopped Bob from living a full, joy-filled life, to the very end, even celebrating a fun family 4th watching fireworks from his driveway. He was a real trooper!
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Bob leaves behind his adoring wife of 54 years, Elsie, daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Scott, grandchildren Trevor, Brandon and Sara, as well as his caring extended family and truly wonderful friends.
In Bob’s memory, Live Every Moment, Laugh Every Day and Love Beyond Words.
A Funeral Mass for Robert Leroy Lowenstein will take place on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 11:00 with a luncheon to follow; St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, 13055 SE 192nd Street, Renton, WA 98058. He will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to Knights of Columbus Wheelchair Program, and may be presented to family, or sent through St. Stephen the Martyr. Checks can be written to Knights of Columbus with Wheelchair in the memo line.
13 Responses to “Robert Leroy Lowenstein”
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So very sorry to hear about cousin Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elsie and his family. Rest in peace Bob and it was a pleasure connecting and meeting you both.
Perry and Barb Lowenstein.
Bob, was one of my favorites and was always happy to see him in the office at Primerica. It saddens my heart that he is no longer on this earth with us, but know that he is in the loving arms and care with Jesus. Elsie, you are in my heart and prayers for you and the family. Hugs
Elsie, Cousin Shannon, and family, so sorry to hear about Cousin Bob. Such a shock for me to have another second cousin in the Lowenstein family. I was so glad to have met him through email, Facebook, and on the phone.
My family will pray for his soul during Mass to remember him.
I was so sad to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. I cannot say that I was close to him but in the interactions that I was blessed with he proved to be a kind, insightful, genuine, and very compassionate person. I’ll pray for his beautiful family for he is in a much better place.
I will always miss Bob, not being able to call him and ask questions etc.. He was always there for me. My hugs and Prayers for Elsie and Family. Lots of Love always.
Bobby will be missed greatly by so many. Sadly, I hadn’t kept in contact but always saw Bobby and Elsie at any family gathering which was always wonderful to see him. Such a huge heart and a good good man.
My love and thoughts are with Elsie and family.
I Met Bob in 1979 when I was a rigger for Bestway Machinery Rigging in Portland. He treated me with the utmost respect and we developed a friendship based on mutual respect. I went to Bob in early 1981 and told him I wanted to start my own business and He said he thought it was a great idea and he would help me in any way he could. There started a lifelong personal friendship. I learned everything I know about the world of PCB from Bob. He took me by the hand and taught me everything I needed to know. He was someone I looked up to and when I needed advice, he was my first phone call. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bob Lowenstein. I will miss him dearly.
While we were aware for quite awhile that Bob’s recent battle with his health would probably be his last one, it was still heart-wrenching when he passed. We met both Bob and Elsie through our good friends, as well as neighbors, Gene and Edie Ficek–Gene is Elsie’s brother. We are so happy that we had this opportunity because Bob and Elsie became our good friends also. I had a favorite Halloween decoration, a lighted jack-o-lantern, that would no longer light up. I was sad to think I would have to throw it away. Bob heard of my plight and immediately offered to repair it, if possible. I didn’t have much hope for recovery, but he was able to fix it better than new! He even repaired it a second time successfully when it failed again. This is a minor incident in the scheme of things, but I was impressed with “Dr Bob’s” willingness to take time out of his busy life to help a friend. I have a feeling that he was a great friend to many people, and with his generosity and compassion, made this world a far better place when he left it than it was when he arrived. Thank you, Bob and Elsie, for your friendship over the years. We are better people for knowing you.
There was only one Bob Lowenstein!!! The sweetest and most generous!! We’ll miss his wicked card playing, always giving the cat that got the mouse grin as he laid his cards down. David is missing his fishing partner, and we know Eilene is missing the fish they dropped off for her.
He’ll be missed and talked about for years to come!!!
I wrote a comment earlier yesterday, It may not got through, Bob and I have been long time neighbors and friends.We grew up together and shared many adventures.
Being farm boys that never leaves you.I know that never left Bob. Then we went our separate ways.
We did met up a couple times later (years) Once in San Diego Where I met him and his very nice wife Elise and in 2008 In Belfield where we grew up.
Bob is and will be a very true friend. I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.
from a long time friend.
Roger
May the memories shared with your family and friends comfort them and the days ahead..And the blessing of you as one of their Guardian Angels..May you rest in peace..
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob at GE when I started working there in 1975 at the Kent apparatus service shop.
Bob always had a good sense of humor and a smart nose for work and after hours going to company parties and employee functions I had the opportunity to meet Bob’s wife Elsie the both of them were fun to be around with plenty of laughs, I’m sure the good Lord has a place for Bob in heaven he will definitely be missed on this Earth.
WE are so saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. I had the privilege of meeting Bob in the early 70’s while working at GE in Portland. He and I both ended our careers in the the Seattle area. He was honest, kind, and one of the most upstanding person I ever met. Elsie, our hearts go out to you and your family. Please call when you get some time.
Carol & Jeff Chapman