9/28/1935 – 11/19/2024
Sedona, Arizona
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lowell Dean Janzen on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89, and Fay Nell (Bowden) Janzen on May 29, 2020, at the age of 81.
Lowell was born on September 28, 1935, in York County, Nebraska, to Gustav and Helen Janzen. He graduated from York High School in 1954, where he excelled by winning a statewide history contest and demonstrating exceptional athletic ability in the 880-yard dash. He went on to earn a degree in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Kansas in 1957. During his time there, he proudly served as the Kansas Track Team’s captain and maintained close friendships with his teammates throughout his life.
After college, Lowell began a distinguished career with what would become Mobil Oil. His work took him to Venezuela, Oklahoma, New York, and Indonesia. He rose to the position of President of Mobil Indonesia before returning to the company’s New York headquarters. Later, he worked as a consultant for the Nigerian Oil Company, living in Lagos until his retirement. Lowell spent his final years in the loving care of his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Jean-Marc, in Sedona, Arizona. There, he enjoyed reading history, reconnecting with high school friends in York, hiking the red rocks, and savoring mornings with coffee and wildlife as well as evenings with good wine and company. A humble and gentle husband, father, and grandfather with a kind smile, Lowell will be deeply missed.
Fay was born on October 12, 1938, in Vashti, Texas, to Sebe and Mabel Bowden. She graduated from Electra High School and attended Midwestern State University before meeting Lowell in Electra, Texas. The couple married on June 12, 1958, shortly before embarking on their first international assignment in Venezuela.
Fay was a force of nature who embraced the excitement of their international lifestyle during their years overseas. In retirement, she enjoyed the tranquility of life in San Marcos, Rockport, and Fort Worth, Texas. Known for her strong will and tenacity, Fay approached home improvement and decorating projects with remarkable skill and enthusiasm. She also spent many years quietly serving others through volunteer work. Fay loved creating adventures with her grandchildren, Emma, Leif, and Andre, and took pride in compiling detailed albums of their travels, now cherished family keepsakes. She and Lowell ensured every summer was filled with swimming, golfing, playing, and memorable daily adventures with their grandchildren.
The couple celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage before Fay’s passing. They are survived by their daughter, Leslie Zuczek, and son-in-law, Jean-Marc Zuczek; their son, David Fletcher-Janzen, and daughter-in-law, Elaine Fletcher-Janzen; and their grandchildren, Emma Susan Janzen and Leif David Janzen. Lowell is also survived by his sister, Virginia Janzen, and Fay by her sister, Donna Hodges, and brother, Monty Bowden.
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