Lowell L. Sneller
February 13, 2020
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Service Details
Lowell L. Sneller, age 71, passed into the presence of his Savior on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Of Dutch heritage, Lowell was born in northwest Iowa and received a B.S. and Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He worked briefly in campus ministry, then earned an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. For many years he served as a systems analyst for the State of Iowa.
His hobbies followed a studious bent: he explored learning how the mind worked and developed his own thinking system. He and his wife also launched a pro bono website, AbrahamLincolnOnline.org, which earned them the Order of Lincoln in 2009. In retirement he enjoyed meeting visitors to local historic sites as a tour guide and site interpreter.
He is survived by his wife, Rhoda of 46 years; brothers, Vernon (Pauline), Marvin (Peg) and Lynn (Denise); as well as many nieces and nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Willie Roemmich.
No public services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Meals from the Heartland. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Robert Durham
11/04/2021
Dr. Sneller is to be thanked for the website abraham lincoln online. He and his wife worked hard on that. Here on 11/4/2021 in PA where I sit, I am thankful for their lives!!
Craig & Tahnese Pringle
03/13/2020
Dear Rhoda,
It's hard to believe that it has already been a month since Lowell passed away. We miss him! We found this scripture this morning and it immediately reminded us of Lowell:
"The good men perish; the godly die before their time, and no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to realize that God is taking them away from evil days ahead.For the godly who die shall rest in peace. - Isaiah 57:1-2"
Rhoda, you are in our prayers regularly.
In Christ's Love,
Craig & Tahnese Pringle
Linda Plazak
02/20/2020
I was so sorry to hear that Lowell had left us. I worked with him for years. He was uplifting, kind and made work much more tolerable. I always envied his calm and his quiet intelligence.
Jan Milroy - Living History Farms
02/19/2020
Lowell was such an asset for us when he served as a volunteer historical interpreter in our 1875 Law Office. His expertise in all things Lincoln was such a bonus for us. He was a wonderful interpreter. We were grateful for him.
Living History Farms
Bob Van Steenbergen
02/17/2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. Lowell and Lynn were a year behind me at Sheldon High School. We used to hang out together. Lynn went to U.N.I. when I was there, and he and I hung out together sometimes there too. May God bless your family and may Lowell rest in peace.
Gary Forster
02/17/2020
Rhonda,
Wanted to express my sadness with your our loss. I worked with Lowell at Terrace Hill and thoroughly enjoyed talking with him about history and other topics. He was a special individual.
Scott Dadisman
02/17/2020
Rhoda, our condolences and prayers for you. Call us anytime you need a lift or just to talk.
One memory I'll share: I was glad Lowell joined me for our annual Boundary Waters canoe/fishing trip only a few (4-5?) years ago. We often did more canoeing & motions of fishing than catching... but one day below a rapids Lowell got a bite and was cranking it in to catch not 1 northern pike but 2 !! He caught a smaller northern and then a bigger one clamped on and didn't let go. It was a good day and a laugh. We took the scenic route home by Duluth so Lowell could see the big lake view. He is now at peace with our Great Creator.
Nancy Dunbar
02/16/2020
Rhoda, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Lowell. He was a gentle soul and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you.
Walter Ladd
02/16/2020
My deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Lowell. I had the privilege of working with him on a project or two when we both worked for the State of Iowa and also learning a great deal from him when he ran the web user's group. He was always so enthusiastic, helpful and patient.
Marianne Mickelson
02/16/2020
Rhoda...my deepest sympathy for the loss of your best friend and loving husband. He was always KIND and helpful. A good listener. I worked with him at the State. He was fun to work with and he shared your delicious lemon bars with me. You make the best lemon bars. The last time I saw him was at the gym. He looked great and was so happy. Life is so precious. God bless all of us.
Kay Tilton
02/15/2020
Rhoda, I am so sorry to hear of Lowell's passing. We have been missing the two of you at the co-worker's luncheon, not knowing of his illness. I hold you close in my heart as I know from Greg's passing the grief you are going through. But there is a peace one cannot explain knowing he has been transformed into a new and perfect body as he stands before the Lord.
Our friendship goes back to year 1971 when I lived in Orange City. A few years later we were surprised to be co-workers for the State.
I'm sending my love to you and the family. If I can help in any way give me a call. Kay Tilton
Nate Hurst
02/15/2020
Rhoda and Family,
May the hope of the resurrection comfort you in the death of Lowell. He is such a dear friend and will be deeply missed by me. His desire for understanding and his curiosity (poking around), was an honest search for the truth and a repudiation of the lies that, as he would say, "cling to us."
I have started going through notes from our discussions (when I started taking them over the past 2 years) and only a couple pages in, thought I would share a few of his diverse interests...
*the concern that many of our problems stem from us misunderstanding our identity as Christians and the need to truly understand who we are in Christ.
*the necessity of imagiation (often quenched) as being a key component of healing (ie. hope).
*the dichotomy of faith and fear - how many problems reduce to this simple dichotomy
*the differences / tensions between adult eduction (Malcomn Knowles) and contemporary childhood eduction.
*false beliefs and their persistance through generations (especially within families)
*perseverance and patience as highly underrated components to spiritual success...
The "nub" (in the spirit of Lincoln) of the discussions were often God, Man, truth, lies, and identity. In short: wisdom. It could be found in simple places: the book of James, Disney's: The Kid, even in the neighborhood cat (if you watch it long enough). He desired wisdom above gold and silver and a desire to please his heavenly Father. He is already missed.