It is Friday morning as I write. Within minutes it will turn 10:00. At that time, a funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Turlock, California for a very dear friend and former colleague of mine, Lowell Oldenburg.
Here are the details from his obituary:
“Lowell Oldenburg, 71, of Turlock, passed away of heart complications early Monday morning. Lowell was born in Berne, Indiana and grew up in Toledo, Ohio before moving to California when he was 19 years old. He is survived by his wife Lena, sons Rob, Matt & Tim, two stepsons, a step-daughter, twelve grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and two step-brothers, Don and Lonny. He was preceded in death by his brother Randy. Lowell served as a missionary for 35 years and was also a substitute teacher known as “Mr. O.” “
This news was sudden and unexpected. With the funeral happening so quickly after I received word of Lowell’s passing, I was unable to travel up to Turlock and attend the service, but this is a man who must be honored. I believe hundreds upon hundreds of people would come from all over the country to pay their respects if they possibly could and without doubt, a good many of them did. For those of us who were unable to do so, it is fitting to have our own times of prayer, reflection, and remembrance of Lowell. Today, I wanted to remember Lowell at the exact time of his funeral so that I may be at least somewhat connected to the event. I also participated in a time of remembrance with a couple of friends on Wednesday evening after hearing the sad news. One of these men, a certain Jim Carkagis, had been involved in my campus church and traveled out to Denver with me two years in a row to attend the Campus Ambassador Summer Institute. Lowell was there too but quieter men like him were not in the spotlight quite as much as those of us with big mouths. Jim still remembered Lowell. He remembered him well and remembered him fondly. This is understandable: There was only one Lowell Oldenburg. There shall never be another like him.
A finer man, I have never known. There may be a handful as fine, but none finer. He loved God with the faith of a child and the spirit of a warrior.
No, Lowell did not often take the floor at our group meetings, but I was privileged to visit his campus several years in a row. Watching Lowell interact with students was something to behold. Those in his Bible studies absolutely loved him yet he interacted with everybody, Christian, non-Christian, friend or stranger. Without the slightest bit of intimidation, Lowell approached just about every single student who crossed his path with a warm smile and a pure, sincere, blunt, humble, presentation of the gospel. Where as some would react negatively to such a cold turkey method, Lowell came across as very approachable. Thus, he was able to cross into territories where others would have been unwelcome. I do not believe one building could hold all of the people who found Jesus Christ because of Lowell Oldenburg. Not even a skyscraper would fill the bill.
When meeting Nathaniel for the first time, Jesus said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47)
And that is how I will always remember Lowell. A man without guile. Not one quick to speak up in a group situation like a Simon Peter, but one who quietly, serves God without any thought of reward. He will receive his reward anyway. People like me will probably mop the floors of Lowell’s mansion when we get to heaven
Heaven is richer today, but Earth is poorer. To say that Lowell is happy right now to be with Jesus is to make the understatement of the century, but knowing this does not erase the pain for those who keenly feel the loss. I hope his grown children know that close friends and admiring associates are mourning for their dad all over our country. May all of us who knew him be inspired to live a life pleasing to Jesus Christ and satisfactory to the dictates of our own honest conscience. Lowell’s courage and dedication will never be forgotten.
Rest, well, my dear friend. Enter the joy of your Lord.
Bob Siegel
Friend and former co-worker with Lowell for Campus Ambassadors
NOTE: I wanted to make this dedication a permanent part of my website. So here it is placed and here it will remain.
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