Obituary: Ben Lowell

HOUSTON, TEXAS/ MADISON - Ben Lowell, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Madison, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his loving family and in the arms of his children. Ben was born and raised in Madison and was the youngest of a family of five children. He graduated from Madison Central High School and then the University of Wisconsin, where he received degrees in economics and law (J.D.). After practicing law in Madison, he went on to work in the building industry in Wisconsin. He later started the Ben Lowell Insurance Agency in Houston, Texas. The agency was a family business, one where he enjoyed working with his clients and family members on a daily basis. The business grew to become one of the largest agencies in Texas serving all types of clients from individuals to businesses and even foreign embassies. He received top agency honors year after year. Ben had a few hobbies besides picking out fabulous fruit from his favorite shopping places. He was an avid investor and loved researching his favorite companies and buying stocks and investments. Nothing brought him more joy however, than simply spending quality time visiting with family and friends. Also, on an annual basis, he would travel back to Madison to visit friends, family and former school mates. At the age of 75, Ben became a Reiki master utilizing his healing powers to help those in need. Ben was reunited with his parents, Max and Clara (nee Potkin) Levin; his brother, Norman; and sister, Portia, all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Maxine (nee Gellman) with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 7th of this year. Ben was the wonderful father of Deby (Brett) Dalrymple of Houston, Texas, Diane (Ramiz) Tafilaj of Houston, Texas, Scott Lowell of Houston, Texas, Jeff (Heather) Lowell of Minneapolis, Minn., Bill (Jan) Lowell of Eagle, and Doug (Laura) Lowell of Houston, Texas. Proud and loving grandfather of Besa (David) Pinchotti, Besim (Iliriana) Tafilaj, Durim (Yllka) Tafilaj, Jessica (Gene) Labrada, Derek Lowell, Jake (Katy) Lowell, Rachel Lowell, Alexandra Lowell, Maxwell Lowell, Ariana Lowell, Mason Lowell and Arabella Lowell. Great-grandpa to Lira Pinchotti, Drin Tafilaj, Dia Tafilaj and Daniel Lowell. Ben is also survived by two wonderful and loving sisters, Ada Mitchell and Ruth Levey of Madison; many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and his cherished and special friends. Ben had the uncanny knack to befriend individuals from every walk of life and offered everyone he knew his sweet and gentle manner, his optimistic hope and his caring friendship and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and all the lives he touched. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit with the family on Friday, March 20, 2009, at 1 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, which will be followed by a service at 2 p.m. Immediately following the service there will be a short graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials contributions are being accepted in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association, Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2009