Leo Thomas “Tom” Lowder

Leo Thomas “Tom” Lowder

Cedar Rapids

We are sad to announce the passing of Leo Thomas “Tom” Lowder, of Cedar Rapids. He left this world to join his parents John and Dortha Lowder, his sister Ruby, brothers Jack, Ken and Phil, on Oct. 15, 2022. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, OCt. 19, 2022, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private family funeral service and burial at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery will follow.

Tom was born April 6, 1935, to John and Dortha Lowder. He passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Montour, but was raised in the Belle Plaine and Shellsburg areas. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Navy and served a short time before being honorably discharged.

After leaving the Navy, Tom worked at the family business, Lowder’s Garage in Shellsburg. That is where he met his wife of 66 years, Sondra Jo Primmer of Vinton. They eloped to Cedar Rapids on June 2, 1956, and were married in St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Tom and Sondra raised two daughters and a son in Cedar Rapids. They resided in Cedar Rapids until their recent move to The Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon. Tom worked for Link Belt Speeders for 26 years and an assembler until the company moved. Together, Tom and Sondra owned and operated Orange Julius in the Westdale Mall, in Cedar Rapids for 15 years. Tom eventually retired from Methwick Manor after 10 years at the age of 70.

His hobbies included watching baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cedar Rapids Kernels. He also enjoyed watching Hawkeye football. One of his favorite past times was noodling for catfish, and snapping turtles. He had a passion for old antique cars and until they day he died he knew the make and model of almost all the oldies. Tom enjoyed long car rides, which almost always ended up at Ellis Park, his favorite area. He loved going to the movies with Sondra and his grandchildren. They had many dogs and cats over the years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sondra; children, Lezlie (John), Stacey (Mk) and Todd (Tammy); grandchildren, Crystal, Nick, Josh, Erin, Thomas and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Codi, Airiana, Jade, Ella and Jayce; one great-great granddaughter, Sophia; and his cat, Grace.

A beloved husband, Dad, and Grandpa, Tom will be deeply missed.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.