Lowell E. Chellew

Lowell E. Chellew was called to eternal rest early in the morning on December 27th, 2021, while living at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Reverend Kenny Hsu officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with prayers by Lowell’s son Reverend Steven Chellew. Visitation will be Sunday, January 2nd at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com
     Lowell Edward Chellew was born in Marshfield, WI, on April 16th, 1936. He was the son of Pastor William and Ida (Wuench) Chellew. Lowell’s father served various churches in Wisconsin, eventually taking a call to Ayrshire, Iowa, where Lowell graduated from high school. After a brief career in carpentry, Lowell moved to Sioux City and began a long career at Northwestern Bell Telephone (and subsidiaries). He started as a lineman but soon moved to cable repair.
     In 1959, Lowell married Joan E. Schoenrock, a teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. Joan had a son, Mark, from a previous marriage. Soon after Deborah and Steven joined their half-brother Mark in the family. Joan was called to rest in 1967, succumbing to colon cancer.
     On January 28, 1968, Lowell married Dora I. Fick, a co-worker at the telephone company. Lowell and Dora enjoyed a long and happy marriage. Their activities together included bowling leagues, square dancing, camping with friends, gardening, and service at church. Dora enjoyed travel, and the two were able to visit every state at least once. Dora passed away in 2013.
     Lowell was dedicated to Lutheran education and served at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in many roles, primarily on the Board of Education. He was also active in the Lion’s Club, dedicating his time to picking up donated glasses throughout Northwest Iowa.
     “A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work,” was Lowell’s unofficial motto. In the early years the fishing adventures spanned Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including Lake Michigan. After retirement, Lowell and Dora bought a cabin on West Okoboji Lake. Unfortunately, the fish often remained uncooperative in West Okoboji Lake for Lowell.
     Lowell was also a skilled carpenter, working on both furniture and home remodeling. Again, the motto “why pay someone to do something you can do yourself” comes to mind. So, Lowell ended up with many hobbies, including making his own fishing sinkers, smoking fish, and collecting fishing lures. He greatly enjoyed the simple pleasures of playing cards and board games with family and friends, particularly his grandchildren.
     Lowell is survived by his daughter Deb Chellew, of Sioux City, son Steve and Lisa Chellew of Rushford, MN, grandchildren Matthew Chellew (and Tyson), Ryan (and Lynae) Chellew and Caitlyn Chellew, step-grandchildren Jennifer (and Ben) Gilley and Joshua Olson; and three step-great grandchildren, Claire, Norah, and Jane Gilley, and five of his brothers and sisters.
     He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan in 1967, his wife Dora in 2013, his son Mark in 2014, and five of his brothers and sisters.
     Memorials may be given in Lowell’s name to St. Paul Lutheran School.

     “The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) 

     The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. † He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. † Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. † Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. † Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. † (Psalm 23)