Lowell Schweigert , age 63 of Grand Forks, ND passed away unexpectedly at Altru Health System on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Lowell was delivered by Doc Grace in his great-aunt Freida Grace's home in Bismarck, ND on May 15, 1956. He was the first-born of his parents Clarence and Virginia (Brandner) Schweigert. Five younger brothers would follow.

He began elementary school in Zeeland, ND in 1962 as a member of the first class to begin in the "new school." He excelled academically and as a middle-schooler was recruited to attend prestigious boarding schools. Thankfully for the sports fans in Zeeland, he remained at Zeeland High, excelling in sports and graduating as class valedictorian in 1974.

Lowell was a standout high school athlete leading Zeeland High to back-to-back state baseball titles in 1973 & 1974 as a pitcher and shortstop. He played varsity basketball as an eighth grader, was a starter all four years of high school, and as a senior in 1974 was a member of Zeeland High's only team to ever appear in the State Class B Basketball Tournament. As a quarterback and safety, he was an integral part of Coach Bill Bohnsack's revival of football in Zeeland in the early 70's.

His athletic ability led him to the University of North Dakota and Coach Jerry Olson's Fighting Sioux football team. He spent most of his college football career as a back-up quarterback and started the majority of the 1977 season, his senior year. Lowell was also a member of the UND baseball team where he played for legendary coach Harold "Pinky" Kraft. Lowell would later talk of his status as a non-scholarship "walk-on" athlete with pride. Noting the odds were stacked against walk-ons. They had to "earn playing time." He continued to hold walk-on athletes in high regard later in life as a booster.

From his collegiate days on, Lowell would be known for his passion for all things University of North Dakota. Early in his professional career he was a high school teacher and coach in Wahpeton, ND and Cambridge, MN. Teaching was soon left behind when he had the opportunity to return to Grand Forks and be closer to his beloved UND in a new profession as a financial advisor. In that role he held positions with national firms PaineWebber, UBS, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and most recently as an owner/partner of Northern Plains Financial.

Lowell will most likely be remembered for the volunteer roles he took on as a member of the Grand Forks Community – Lions Club, Champions Club, St. Michael's Parish, numerous volunteer committee roles at UND. He will certainly be remembered for the unsolicited advice he so often shared. As a greeter for the 9am Mass at St. Michael's, "If you're going to be a greeter at the 9am Mass…show up at 8:30." As the MC at Booster Luncheons, "We wear GREEN to UND games." As a member of his football tailgating group, "The grill closes for the Hawk Walk." And with his golf buddies, "No yellow tees on the tee box." It is these and many other edicts delivered in high volume baritone that endeared him to family and friends who knew him best.

In December, 1997 Lowell had the courage to ask his family for support as he committed himself to a new life of sobriety. The Friday before his death he accepted his 22-year chip from Alcoholics Anonymous. He selflessly and without judgement counseled and encouraged countless others to set their own course and walk a path of recovery. He led by example displaying the fullness and virtues of life after dependency. He will be remembered by his anonymous family and friends for his kindness and understanding.

His family and friends will miss his "dad jokes" with a Zeeland twist. We will miss his consecutive streak of being the loudest person in the room no matter the setting. But most of all, we will miss his smile and ability to make everyone feel welcome. On game days there will forever be an empty spot at the "second light pole from the helmet" in the Alerus Center parking lot. As there will be in our hearts. We are comforted in knowing his faith in eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. And we will smile when reminded of him through his signature farewell whether in person or on the phone, "Be good."

Grateful to have shared his life is his partner Becky Hulett, her children and grandchildren, his daughters Helen (Casey) Hutton, Grand Forks; Sarah, Fargo; grandchildren Ginny and Wyatt Hutton, Grand Forks; his mother Virginia, Grand Forks; brothers Keith, Fargo; Mahlon (Myrna), Hettinger; Kent (Marilyn), Bismarck; Kyle "Bubba" (Laura), Grand Forks; Shannon (Holly), West Fargo; eleven nieces and nephews, fifteen great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Clarence.

In lieu of flowers : please, make contributions to St. Michael's Foundation and Bridge Builders, or the Lowell Schweigert Memorial Football Scholarship Endowment at the UND Foundation online at: www.UNDAlumni.org/Lowell or mail a check payable to UND Foundation, 3501 University Ave Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202.

Mass of Christian Burial : 10:00 am Monday, January 6, 2020 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND
Visitation : 6:30 – 7:30 pm Sunday, January 5, 2020, with a 7:30 pm Vigil Service in St. Michael's Church. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.
Burial : In the spring, in Calvary South Cemetery Grand Forks, ND.