Obituary
Dennis Jack Lowman, whose warmth and kindness touched many lives, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, just days before of his 81st birthday. He was laid to rest on October 3, 2024, in a family service at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery in Cedar Grove, North Carolina.
Born in Mason City, Iowa to Hyle and Melva Lowman, Dennis known affectionately as “Butch” and “Denny” to those close to him embodied the very best of Midwestern values: genuine kindness, unwavering faith, and dedication to family and community. His childhood in Clear Lake, Iowa, was marked by simple joys: biking through Dutch Elm-lined streets, visiting his cherished grandparents Mel and Polly Jacobson on their farm, cheering on the Hawkeyes with his devoted aunt and uncle Marge and Jack Hepp, and creating lasting memories on Clear Lake, where he swam, sailed, and skied with hometown friends.
A natural leader and achiever, Dennis distinguished himself both in academics and athletics at Clear Lake High School where he played varsity football, basketball, and golf. His love for music flourished in the youth church choir, where he sang alongside his siblings Marne and Gary. As an historical footnote, Dennis worked as a DJ at the iconic Surf Ballroom on the eve of Buddy Holly’s last performance: “the day the music died” February 3, 1959.
His path to becoming a respected oral surgeon began at Iowa State University and included the University of Iowa, and California State University at Long Beach. It was there he met Nancy Edgecomb, who would become his beloved wife of 57 years. Their partnership, beginning with their marriage on August 11, 1967, was characterized by deep love, shared faith, and mutual support.
Dennis’s distinguished career in oral and maxillofacial surgery spanned decades in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was a founding partner of Oral Surgeons, PC. His commitment to improving lives extended beyond his practice. He took particular satisfaction in serving as an inaugural faculty member for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Cardiac Life Support in the Iowa Chapter of the American Heart Association.
A man of deep faith, Dennis found his spiritual home in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving his congregation as bishop and connecting with many through his ministry. His eternal perspective shaped every aspect of his life, from his professional practice to his favorite hobby golf. He celebrated his holes-in-one, but valued the friendships he made even more than the scores he achieved.
Above all, Dennis treasured his role as husband and father. His love for his family was both vocal and visible, often exclaiming “I love you, Family!” His 45 years in Des Moines’ Waterbury Neighborhood created a tapestry of memories: family walks and bike rides, holiday traditions, and later, precious moments with grandchildren.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Nancy; his children Jill Lowman, Emily (Christian) Lowman Hardy, Amy (Chad Butterworth) Lowman, David (Anastasia Jesse) Lowman; and his thirteen grandchildren: Hailey, Chloe, Ella, Grace, Elise, Jane, Devon, Sylvie, Vivian, Clayton, Spencer, Andrew, and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hyle and Melva (Jacobson) Lowman, his brother Gary Lowman, and his sister Marne Lowman Cody.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Green and The Pines of Carolina Meadows and to UNC Hospice for their exceptional kindness and compassionate care. Those wishing to honor Dennis’s memory may make contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dennis Lowman lived as he believed with purpose, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God’s eternal plan. His legacy lives on in the many lives he nurtured as a healer, leader, friend, and above all, as a devoted family man who showed his love in word and deed every day.
