Obituaries : Philip J. Lowder, Sr.

Philip J. Lowder, Sr., 83, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, September 29, 2022. A prayer service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Teahen Funeral Home by Rev. Nick March. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Private burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Walker.

Phil is survived by his son, Philip (Sue) Lowder, Jr. of Cedar Rapids; grandsons, Ethan Lowder of Boston, MA and Lucas Lowder of Miami, FL; his beloved brother, Tom (Sondra) Lowder of Cedar Rapids; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Burnita; brothers, Jack and Ken Lowder; and sister, Ruby.

Phil was born on January 22, 1939 in Belle Plaine, son of John and Dorothy (Louder) Lowder. He graduated in 1957 from Belle Plaine High School and served in the Army stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Phil married Burnita Sand on October 6, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walker and upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, they returned to Iowa where they raised their only child, Philip, Jr. For 37 years Phil worked at Merchants National Bank, he was proud of his career at MNB, making many lifelong friends that he kept in touch with until his recent health decline. Over the years, his MNB friends have relayed countless stories of the fun, the jokes and the shenanigans Phil had with them.

Upon retiring from banking, Phil took on his proudest and best role as grandfather, chauffer and personal concierge to his grandsons, Ethan and Lucas. Grandpa spent countless hours with them, picking them up after school, taking them to Dairy Queen, to swim lessons, numerous sports practices and more, he was always there for them. Phil had the most tender and giving heart. If he saw a child, a family, a teacher or church in need of anything, it magically appeared. He was simply the very best and will be missed by many!

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Willis Dady Shelter, 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 or the Catholic Worker House, 1027 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.