In Loving Memory of Lowell E. Sweet

August 10, 1931 – March 9, 2025

With profound sadness, yet immense gratitude for a life of remarkable purpose and impact, we announce the passing of Lowell E. Sweet, a man of unwavering integrity, intellect and boundless dedication to his family, profession and community. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on August 10th, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, Lowell's passion for law and politics began early. At just seven years old, before ever meeting a lawyer, he decided on his future profession. By age nine, he was already politically engaged – campaigning door to door against FDR's bid for a third term. That lifelong commitment to civic involvement and conservative values would define his public service.

Lowell's academic journey led him to Wayne University (now Wayne State University) in Detroit, where he earned a B.A. in psychology in 1953, followed by his Doctor of Law from the University of Wisconsin in 1955. While in law school, fate intervened in the form of a blind date on February 13th, 1953 where he met Mary Ellen Ebben. A mere three weeks later, they were engaged and on August 29th, 1953 they were married – a union that would last an incredible 70 years until Mary Ellen's passing on July 4, 2024.

After completing basic training for the U.S. Army, Lowell served in counterintelligence, applying his keen intellect to matters of national security. Upon returning to civilian life, he built an extraordinary legal career, joining a law firm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin in 1958 where he quickly became a partner. In the late 60's, he established his own law firm, which eventually became Sweet & Maier where he worked well into his 80's before retiring as the senior partner.

A 50-year member of the American Bar Association, Lowell was a highly sought-after expert and speaker on real estate law and zoning issues, serving on numerous committees and mentoring generations of attorneys. As past president of the Walworth County Bar Association, he was honored for his instrumental role in drafting the Condominium Ownership Act, shaping real estate law in Wisconsin. His peers recognized him for his excellence by naming him one of The Best Lawyers in America for over 20 consecutive years (1983-2006) and was repeatedly named as a Super Lawyer for the state of Wisconsin.

Beyond his legal career, Lowell was a dedicated public servant and community leader. He was a founder and president of the Matheson Memorial Library Foundation, a founder of the Walworth County Fair Foundation, and one of the founders and a board member of the Elkhorn Fund.

A lifelong Republican, he was awarded the 2010 Alvan E. Bovay Award for his contributions to the Republican Party of Wisconsin. His dedication to service earned him numerous honors, including a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from then-Congressman Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin State Senate Citation for his work with the Walworth County Fair, and a Wisconsin Legislature Citation for his "unselfish contributions to the state of Wisconsin for the good of all people."

The list of awards, honors, and accolades Lowell received over the years is too extensive to include. However, his dedication to service and community was best summed up by former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, who once said of Lowell: "Winston Churchill said, "you make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give." By that measure, Lowell built a life of immeasurable worth.

A 50- year member and past President of the Lions Club and a 30-year Kiwanian, Lowell was recognized with the Legion of Honor for his decades of service. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

An avid reader and published author, Lowell was endlessly curious and passionate about learning. A longtime Green Bay Packers fan, he rarely missed watching a game although often times he watched with his "eyes closed" – either to keep his blood pressure in check or during the Packers drought, it may have been an opportunity to get in a good nap.

Despite his many achievements, Lowell's greatest pride was his family. He was a loving father to Lawrence (Brian) Sweet, Diane (Lawrence) Keane and Sara Paulson and a proud grampa to Stephanie, Caitlin, Chace, Caroline and Grace-Marie.

Lowell's love for his family was unwavering – he never missed a track meet, gymnastic meet or theatrical production for any of his children and celebrated their careers and achievements in adulthood.

Lowell and his son Larry were known for their constant back-and-forth of humorous barbs and quick wits, a tradition that left everyone else rolling their eyes but secretly enjoying the banter. In recent years, they became inseparable as Larry's devotion to caring for him gave them even more time to ramp up their comedy duo.

He had a passion for fishing and fished his way across Alaska, Belize, Canada and the U.S. often engaged in a friendly competition with his favorite fishing companion, his daughter Diane, over who caught the biggest fish. Family members would have loved to have been a fly on the wall listening to their conversations on boats in the middle of nowhere as they pondered the pressing headlines of the moment.

Lowell and his daughter Sara shared a strong bond, even if at times she kept him on his toes. She inherited his mischievous nature and drive, qualities he deeply admired (even when they led to lively debates). Over the years, their connection grew even stronger as they shared a deep, undeniable connection.

His granddaughters were his absolute joy. He cherished every moment with them, loving the giggles, the chaos and noise of five girls all born within a six-year age span. He was known to cave to their charms, indulging them in ways that left everyone smiling. He took pride in their accomplishments and found immense happiness in simply being surrounded by them.

Lowell had strong opinions on his likes and dislikes – he loved dogs (often carrying dog treats in his walker), Krispy Kreme doughnuts and jigsaw puzzles but had no desire for anything coconut and don't dare to wear the color pink. He was a man of principle, humor, and deep kindness, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and service.

Lowell is also survived by his sisters Suzanne Kopec and Cynthia Sweet. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit remains woven into the fabric of the community he helped build, the people he mentored, the profession he loved, and the stories he left behind.

A private family service will be held to honor Lowell's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter in his memory.

Rest easy, Lowell. Your work here is done, but your legacy will never fade.

Lowell's arrangements are under the direction of Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI. Online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Lakeland Animal Shelter
PO Box 1000, Elkhorn WI 53121
Tel: 1-262-723-1000
Web: https://lakelandanimalshelter.org/donate/