Lowell Gerald Schaaf, the son of Louis and Helen (Snyder) Schaaf, was born November 14, 1931 at Griswold, IA. He died June 11, 2016 at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA at the age of 84 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Lowell was baptized and confirmed at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold. He attended country school and then graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1949. After graduating, he worked for Hoke Construction. On June 11, 1952 he was united in marriage to Sylvia Doolittle. Two children were born to this union, Pam and Cindy. Lowell joined the Army and was stationed in California and Georgia. After being honorably discharged, Lowell and Sylvia returned to Elliott, and he worked for Farmers Produce in Griswold. Lowell and Sylvia then purchased Elliott Produce, which they owned and operated for 25 years. After selling Elliott Produce, Lowell and Sylvia purchased a farm South of Elliott. Lowell farmed, until he retired in 1991. Lowell and Sylvia continued to live on the farm until 2008, when they moved to Griswold.

Lowell was a member of the Elliott United Methodist Church and had served many area churches as a lay pastor and then a licensed pastor. He loved square dancing, and had called square dances for over 50 years. While farming, Lowell liked raising cattle, and was still going to the sale barn every week. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Mary Lou Anderson; and his brother Lyle Schaaf.

Lowell is survived by his wife Sylvia of Griswold, IA; his daughters Pam Merchanthouse and husband Greg of Richmond, IN and Cindy Keiser and husband Terry of Council Bluffs, IA; his grandchildren: Regan Taylor and husband Jedd, Joel Keiser and wife Courtney, Julie Gately and husband Art, and Marty Merchanthouse and wife Jamie; nine great grandchildren; his brother Lynn Schaaf and wife Pat of Griswold, IA; and his sister-in-law Barb Schaaf of Elliott, IA. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Elliott United Methodist Church. Open visitation will be on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold. Open visitation will resume from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Elliott Community Building. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Elliott Community Building. Memorials may be given to the Lowell Schaaf Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 15, Griswold, IA 51535. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery at Elliott. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is in charge of arrangements.