Lowell Beckstrand

Lowell H. Beckstrand, a husband, father, grandfather, musician, teacher, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 5, 2026, in Orem, Utah, at the age of 89.

Lowell was born on September 27, 1936, at LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Leonard Grant Beckstrand and Mary Burdette Harker. He grew up in Shelley, Idaho, where he enjoyed a happy childhood filled with family, hard work, and simple pleasures. During World War II, his family tended a victory garden on their land, where Lowell developed a lifelong fondness for the tart gooseberries they grew. He also treasured family adventures, including a trip to Yellowstone that remained one of his favorite memories throughout his life.

As a young boy, Lowell discovered a love for the trumpet which became one of the great joys of his life. Music remained a constant companion for decades, bringing him fulfillment and family memories. In 1955, the family moved to Springdale, Idaho, where Lowell took on many responsibilities working on the family farm. Those long hours helped shape the quiet determination, strong work ethic, and sense of responsibility that defined him throughout his life. Lowell was a faithful and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in many callings throughout his life, including missionary service in the East Central States Mission from 1957 to 1959. The friendships he formed and the lessons he learned during those years remained dear to him throughout his life.

After returning home, Lowell worked at R.O. Rambo’s Service Station in Burley, Idaho, and attended Ricks College in Rexburg. During this time, he met Cleo Cole, the love of his life. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on February 23, 1961, beginning a marriage built on faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another and to the family they would build together.

Determined to provide greater opportunities for his growing family, Lowell took an electronics aptitude test that opened the door to a new career. The family moved to Utah, where he worked for Litton Industries while completing his education at Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute. After graduating, he accepted a position with IBM in San Jose, California, where he enjoyed a long and successful career until retirement. Never one to stop learning or serving, Lowell later found great satisfaction as a substitute teacher, sharing his love of mathematics with countless students. California also gave Lowell the opportunity to rekindle his passion for the trumpet. His children remember countless evenings filled with the sound of him practicing and he delighted in performing with several bands throughout the San Jose area. He especially enjoyed telling the story of finally reaching the elusive “Triple C” note. His love of music naturally found its way into the lives of his children: Debbie studied piano, Kevin followed in his father’s footsteps on the trumpet, and Jeff played the saxophone.

In 2017, Lowell and Cleo moved to Utah to be closer to family. Shortly thereafter, Cleo passed away, a loss Lowell felt deeply. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Christine Nelson. During his later years, Lowell was deeply grateful for the love and care he received while living first with his son, Kevin, and his family, and later at Covington Senior Living, where he formed many valued friendships. He greatly appreciated continuous care of his daughter-in-law, Renea, whose expertise as a critical care nurse helped him remain as healthy and comfortable as possible for many years.

Lowell is survived by his children: Debbie Dewey (Richard), Kevin Beckstrand (Renea), and Jeff Beckstrand; his grandchildren: Isaac, Rachel, Amber, Hailey, JC, and Alex; his great- grandchildren: Ezra, Ammon, Emma, and Samuel; his younger brother, Blaine Beckstrand (Marilyn); and extended family members.

Lowell will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet kindness, love of music, steadfast work ethic, and deep devotion to family. His gentle example, humble spirit, and interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Friends at Covington Senior Living could always count on being greeted with a warm smile, a cheerful chuckle, and his familiar thumbs-up. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy of faith, love, perseverance, and kindness will continue to bless the lives of his family and friends for generations to come.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Albion, Idaho. Family and friends will be received prior to the service from 9 until 10 a.m., at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.