Lowell Byard Mannhardt, age 76, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 11:43 A.M. on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on April 21, 1944 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Whitney L. and Lola (Hubbard) Mannhardt. He attended and graduated from Knoxville High School with the class of 1963. After graduation, he went on to attend Parson’s College in Fairfield, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He then attended one year at John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois.
On June 30, 1968, Lowell was joined in marriage to Patricia S. Conover at the Christian Church in Knoxville.
Surviving is his loving wife of fifty–one years, Patricia Mannhardt of Knoxville; their two children: Samuel F. (and Karla) Mannhardt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Shirley L. (and James) Arteaga of Galesburg, Illinois; his grandchildren: Samuel F. Mannhardt, Jr. of Clarksville, Tennessee, Marissa G. and Alexander L. Mannhardt of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Wyatt A. Miyler of Galesburg; his step-grandchildren: Desirae Arteaga of Galesburg, Sebastian Arteaga of Edwardsville, Illinois, Davion Wallace of Galesburg, Jaxen Arteaga of Galesburg; one step great-grandson, Decklan Lane of Galesburg; his siblings: Karoll Smith of Knoxville, Charles Mannhardt of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Lowell enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country from 1967 until 1972, serving on the USS Saratoga. He was a life member of the Galesburg VFW and Harry Philblad American Legion Post #749 of Knoxville.
He was a skilled woodworker, owning and operating Mannhardt’s Furniture with his wife Patricia in Knoxville for forty–seven years. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Galesburg, later attending the Knoxville United Methodist Church and serving as youth group leader. Lowell was involved in many organizations including: Member of the former Knoxville Jaycees; President/Treasurer for the Knox County Historical Sites for 40 years; Member of the Knox County Woodworking Club and Peoria County Woodworking Club; and Knox County Board Member for ten years. For over 25 years, Lowell organized events in Knoxville including the Christmas parade, Easter egg hunt, Knox County Scenic Drive in Knoxville, Treasurer of the Knox County Drive Central Committee for fifteen years, Member/Treasurer of the Knoxville Fire Department for over 25 years, and fireworks committee. He served currently as Trustee of the Knoxville Fire Protection District.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A private graveside service will be held at the Knoxville Cemetery in Knoxville, Rev. Don Williams officiating. Friends and family may attend visitation from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knoxville Fire Department or the Knox County Historical Sites. On-line condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
