Robert "Gene" Lowder's Obituary
Mr. Robert Eugene “Gene” Lowder, age 78, passed away at his home in Twin Lake, Michigan on April 29, 2026. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on December 8, 1947 to Robert and Evelyn (Wilson) Lowder. Gene graduated from North Muskegon High School, class of 1966. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, serving for a brief time before an Honorable discharge due to the unexpected death of his father. Gene attended college and trade school, where he earned his Master Electrician License. He was a proud member of the West Michigan IBEW, Local 275. He owned Lowder Electric for many years before selling his business in 2004. Following the sale, he worked as an Electrical Inspector for numerous townships throughout Muskegon and Ottawa counties until his official retirement in 2020. Gene spent many years playing in the LC Walker Arena Men’s Hockey League. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and waterskiing. Fall salmon fishing and hunting trips to Iowa were especially meaningful to him. On August 9, 1969, Gene married the former Jeanne L. Brown and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Jeanne survives Gene along with three children, Jeff (Laurie) Lowder, Kristen Lowder, and Katie (Patrick) Hotz; seven grandchildren, Emily (Lee) VanderStelt, Noah (Amy) Lowder, Ember (Nicholas) Vermilyea, Eric Lowder, Kassie Smith, Jax Hotz, and Klayton Hotz; one great-grandson, Layne; sister, Cathy (Rich) Rop; brother, Bill (Susanne) Lowder; and sister-in-law, Susan (Gene) Gifford. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Samuel Lowder; and sister-in-law, Nancy Campbell. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 11, 2026 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with VISITATION one-hour prior to his service. MEMORIALS in memory of Gene may be directed to The Harbor Hospice Foundation. You may sign his online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?