Rodney Duane Lowitz, 57

| August 1, 2018 2:00 AM

Rodney Duane Lowitz, 57, “went to be with the Lord” on June 30, 2018.

He was born on Oct. 1, 1960, in Kalispell to Bud Lowitz and Lamona (Claridge) Meyers. He grew up in Kalispell, helping on the farm. He had a passion for horses. He cruised his motorcycles at a young age around the neighborhood. He loved being outdoors, camping, fishing and enjoying life in the woods. His teen years he worked at Rainbow Texaco in Kalispell. He could never get enough of engines and grease. Just out of high school he married Karen Peterson. They spent a lifetime of 38 years together. He had an opportunity to learn to drive truck with LHC; this was something he absolutely loved to do. He drove the water truck for awhile. Late nights and being chased by bears were fun for him. He hauled logs and pulled doubles down Thompson River Road for many years.

Rod and Karen had two amazing daughters, raised their family on the farm for many years and moved to Kalispell.

He had too many close calls driving truck; it was at that time he decided to join the family business at Lowitz Custom Shoppe. He was the automotive upholstery expert. He worked at the shop until he became disabled.

He enjoyed spending time with family, watching his grandkids grow up and just loving what Marion had to offer, living in the “woods.”

“Dad, the hardest part isn’t losing you, the hardest part is learning to live without you.”

He was preceded in death by his mom, Lamona (Claridge) Meyers.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Lowitz; daughters, Danielle (Dustin) Bowen, and Nicole (Matt) Tindale, with grandbabies Kaitlynn and Ryker; dad, Bud (Toni) Lowitz; brother, Dave (Melanie) Lowitz; sister, Lisa (Charlie) Sweet; and many nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.

“We know your love will always be with us. May the Lord bless you and keep you.”

We will be hosting a celebration of Rod’s amazing life at 3 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 4, at 1045 Conrad Drive, Community Center, with dinner following. He didn’t want a funeral, just a “cheers” to say see you later.