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1952
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LOWELL DEAN NELSEN
June 9, 1952 ˜ March 5, 2020
Lowell Dean Nelsen of Vancouver, WA, passed away suddenly on Thurs., March 5, 2020 at the age of 67. He was born in Harlan, IA on June 9, 1952 and graduated from Avoca High School.
Right after graduation, Lowell enlisted in the Navy in June of 1970 where he served as a Sonar Service Technician until August of 1979.
Lowell met and married his first wife Janae while he was in the Navy and they had 5 children before they divorced in 1991.
On Aug. 1st, 2003, Lowell married Kathy in Lake Tahoe, CA and between the two of them they incorporated a vast extended family.
His service led him to a career as a Craftsman in PSC (Power System Control) for the Bonneville Power Administration where he worked until he retired after 32 years on Dec. 31, 2011. Not to be one to sit idle, he only stayed retired for about 4 months and then went back to work as a private contractor for BPA as a Communications Technician. He worked for them traveling all over the Pacific Northwest right up until the time of his death.
When not working, Lowell loved spending time at his “Happy Place” at the condo in Ocean Shores. When not there, he enjoyed “Glamping” in the motorhome...playing games...BBQing. When he was home, he was usually tinkering around building furniture, tending to his 2 dogs and 2 cats. But anyone that knew him, knew his VERY favorite hobby was “Napping”...LOL. Lowell was an avid John Wayne fan and would watch anything and everything that he could with John Wayne in it...(sometime 20 times over)! He always said next to “Jack” Trombley, “The Duke” was his hero! He loved his family more than anything.
Lowell is survived by his wife of over 16 years, Kathy Nelsen of Vancouver; her 2 children, Megan (Sean) Flohaug and Travis (Stephanie) Trombley; his 5 children, Lindsey (Larry) Livsey, Brian (Amanda) Nelsen, Jody (Tony) Merrill, Stephanie (Gary) Carter and Courtney Nelsen; his 2 sisters, Karen (Steve) Guyer and Cheryl (Larry) Billings; 11 grandchildren; and was a wonderful “Poppa” to his 6 “Bonus Grandchildren”; along with 5 nieces and 7 nephews. He will be missed by many, but Never forgotten...
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Evelyn Nelsen; and 2 sisters, Sandra Popp and Beverly Worth.
Lowell had requested that in lieu of a funeral service there be a “Celebration of Life” instead. Please come and join us and share your memories of Lowell at Jakes Bar & Grill, 4062 NE St. Johns Blvd., Vancouver, WA on Sat., March 21st from 1-5 p.m.
Please sign his guest book at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lowell several times in the field on various jobs. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He was a great guy who will be sorely missed. He is surely in a better place. - Ken Brown
Ken Brown
April 6, 2020
Lowell had a HUGE personality (and heart) and anyone saw it the moment he entered a room. I had the pleasure of his company only a few times with beers during off-site work events these past few years and every time my sides would ache from laughter. Truly a sad day for anyone who had met him.
Heather Williams
April 6, 2020
Kathy, so sorry you lost Lowell. He was always a ray of sunshine. He was so kind and so smart. BPA is a better place because of his dedication to his craft. He was a good friend!!!
Vickie Wood
March 27, 2020
Lowell was a tremendous person. ALWAYS fun to be around
Ed Poyfair
Friend
March 19, 2020
On behalf of the Board of Directors for Ocean Crest Condos Assn, we extend our condolences, and will keep Lowell and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Coluccio, President
March 18, 2020
Kathy and Family
Our sincere condolences for your loss
Alvaro & Constance Reyes
March 17, 2020
Kathy, we are very sorry for your loss.
Carmen Lane
Neighbor
March 16, 2020
I didn't know Lowell as well as my brother, Robert did, and has always cherished him as a good friend, but I fondly remember a time at Christmas when working at BPA. As I mentioned, it was Christmas and everyone was in good spirits. Someone dressed as "Santa Claus" stopped by my desk, and smiled and wished me a Merry Christmas. I honestly didn't know who it was until I looked at his eyes and saw that "mischievous twinkle" and then realized it was Lowell who worked down in the basement.
That has stayed with me through the years, and I still smile when I think about it. I'm sure Lowell is looking down on Kathy and his family with that same twinkle in his eye and smile on his face, and is having a real good time!
Carole Wanke
March 16, 2020
Lowell was a fun loving energetic family guy. He would always find something to do. He was a great neighbor, as well as a friend. He will be missed by a multitude of people, which Dee and I are 2 of them. I'm sure he's looking down and wondering What can I fix next? God bless him
Bill Ramonas
March 15, 2020
I will cherish my memories of Lowell and the great person he was! Rest in Peace LD and you will be missed.
Sara Mathy
March 15, 2020
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