Lowell E. Swanberg
1941 – 2022
Lowell E. Swanberg of Apopka passed away on December 20, 2022, at AdventHealth Apopka at the age of 81, with his family at his side. He was born in 1941, in Benson, Minnesota, to Peter A. Swanberg and Margaret C. Swanberg. Lowell had twelve brothers and sisters. He graduated from Benson High School and Mankato State University in Minnesota.
In 1961, Lowell met the love of his life, Stella L. Schneider, and they married in 1963. They were married for 59 years. He worked as an accountant and controller for the Ralston Purina Company, the Campbell Soup Company, and finally for the Zellwood Mushroom Farm before he retired in 1999.
Lowell was an active member of the Apopka community as a member of the First United Methodist Church of Apopka and the Apopka High School football team chain gang. He was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Apopka and took great pride in living the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”, as well as the Rotary 4 way test, every day of his life.
For twenty years, Lowell poured his heart and soul into the Annual Rotarian Lowell’s Classic Car Show at the Kit Land Nelson Park in Apopka, Florida. He took great pride in showing his 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible at the show and driving in the Apopka Christmas parade each year. Over the years, Lowell took his classic car show on the road by having other classic car owners bring their cars to assisted living facilities and nursing homes for residents to enjoy.
More than anything, Lowell loved his family. His greatest joy was in gathering together with his friends and family and enjoying time with each other.
He is survived by his wife, Stella; daughter, Michele S. Simonsen (Glenn), and son, B.J. Swanberg (Heather). Lowell was a proud grandpa to 7 grandchildren: Haley, Marcella, Jack, Honor, Justus, Carl and Carina. He is survived by his brother, Luvern Swanberg (Madge), two sisters, Marcella Halpin and Darlene Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. Lowell is also survived by his “bonus daughter”, Annie E. McDaniel (Darryl), of Alabama; her 3 daughters, Shannon, Ashley, and Madison, and their 9 children, whom he loved as his own.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Apopka, 201 S. Park Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703. A visitation hour will begin at 10:00 am with a formal service beginning at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lowell’s name to:
The Rotary Club of Apopka Foundation, Inc., PO Box 7, Apopka, FL 32704.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Tom Stutzman says
I have known Lowell & Stella for close to 50 years. Harriet & I had lots of good times with “The Swanbergs” over the years. Lowell was a kind hearted man who would do anything to help others whether he knew them or not. Our world would be a much better place if more people had a heart like Lowell had. I love you Lowell and I will miss you dearly.
Tom Stutzman
Brenda Lockhart says
Stella I am so sorry for you and your families loss. How blessed were you to spend all these years with the love of your life. You are all in my thoughts.
Janice Simpson says
I have nothing but fond memories of Lowell. I got to know him through my friendship with Michele. He was such a great father and an obvious family man. I know how much his family is hurting. I pray for peace and comfort for all who will deeply miss him.
Judy Sanders says
We, the VanderWeysts, lived next door to the Swanbergs. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in. Just plain everyday families making do with what we had. We didn’t have much for toys so we made our own fun with our imaginations. Our parents kept their eyes on us. If they missed something, the neighbors informed them of what we did. Lowell grew up with this great group of friends and family and neighbors and he made us all proud by the way he lived his life. Prayers for Lowell’s family. Judy Sanders
Timothy & Arlene Goff says
We send our prayers and condolences from Arlene and Tim Goff
Rex Clonts says
Lowell loved to play tennis. Not that he loved the game that much (although he was a much better player than I). He loved the time spent with opponents/friends. That’s the way Lowell lived life. He loved being involved; because, what matered most was the relationship with others. Kind, generous and gentle are a few of the words that describe my friend. Godspeed “Swanie”.
Rex Clonts
Mike Steiner says
Please accept my deepest sympathy for Lowell Swanberg & his family. I had the pleasure of attending many of the successful Apopka Rotary Car Shows, named in his honor, that Lowell worked on & where we became friends. His support of this event & the Assisted Living traveling car shows he organized were always a pleasure to attend. Lowell will be missed by many people. RIP Lowell. Saying prayers for you & your loved ones.
Jason Petrashek says
I am sorry for your loss, I am glad and privileged that I got to meet and a attend Lowell’s car show the last couple years especially the assisted living ones, those were such great events. You will be missed.
Jason
Lee and Cathy Baker says
What a,wonderful, caring man who will be sorely missed by family and friends. Rest in peace, Lowell.
James K Pfeiffer says
Dear Lowell, we are sure going to miss you, but WE WILL REMEMBER YOU EVERYDAY!!! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, LOVE YOU!!! Your friends Jim and Jimmy Pfeiffer
Bud Bernier says
As part of Lowell Traveling Car Show these past 5 years I came to know what a kind and generous man he was. I am saddened by our loss. My friend Wayne Bostak introduced me to Wayne and he always complimented our cruising Oldsmobile convertibles…..and wanted to be sure we were part of his show. In August of this year Wayne suddenly passed. I let Lowell know and sure enough I enjoyed the pleasure of his presence at Wayn’es farewell. His follow up skills were impeccable and his kind, soft voice will be forever heard.
Dianne (RANALLI) Kowalczyk says
I was so sad to see the passing of Mr Swanberg. My father and Mr Swanberg worked together long ago at the mushroom farm in Zellwood. I have memories as child visiting with his family and always remembered what a very kind man he truly was. As I grew older and eventually had a family of my own, I would occasionally see him visiting my workplace and he always was sure to remember my family. We were so very lucky to have Mr. Swanberg speak of my father when it was time for my father’s journey home to heaven. We will never forget those wonderful words he spoke in honor of my father. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, and please know that he has left many a lasting impression of what kindness and thoughtfulness truly is
Bobbie Getz says
We were so sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing. May you feel the Lord’s presence, comfort and strength at this sad time. Love, Bobbie and Bruce Getz
Roger Francis says
I met Lowell over 20 years when I took my classic Chevy to a car show at Lake Brantley High School. He invited me to attend a show at a Nursing Home the next day and I attended many other shows with him over the years. He will be missed and remembered by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.