Lowell Dean Plaugher

Lowell Dean Plaugher, 86, of Zilwaukee, Michigan passed away at home on Monday, July 1, 2024. 

Lowell was born on April 22, 1938 to Earle and Mary (Hall) Plaugher in Glendale Addition, Ohio. In 1961 he married Roberta “Bobbi” Tousley. 

After graduating from Lima Senior High School, Lowell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He began college at Bowling Green University where he met the love of his life, Bobbi. Later he received his Master’s degree in child psychology from the University of Michigan. 

Lowell worked with developmentally disabled people in a variety of capacities his entire career, both in Michigan and Ohio. As an administrator he worked closely with parents, students, and colleagues to ensure students received the best and most appropriate education. He adored his students and would often talk about “those good ole days”. Once he retired from the Public Schools of Michigan, he turned to passions he’d long had: designing and building wooden furniture with Bobbi and writing. He wrote several fiction and nonfiction books with topics ranging from hometown heroes of Saginaw to 1800’s canal boats in Ohio. 

Lowell loved to travel and camp throughout the United States and had a particular affinity to Traverse City, Michigan, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the American West. When his children were still very young, he and Bobbi began their long-lasting tradition of annual cross-country adventures, traveling the country by car. 

His greatest love was his family and his many friends. Lowell was known for his wonderful sense of humor and storytelling. From large family gatherings, being silly with his grandkids, playing poker on Friday, going out to breakfast with his buddies, smoking cigars on the porch or even phone conversations with out-of-town friends, great memories were made. 

Surviving are his wife, Bobbi of Zilwaukee, MI, daughter Melinda (Jim Hubinger) of Midland, MI, son Michael (Nathalie) of Veberöd, Sweden and four grandchildren; Leah Hubinger (Daniel Rios), Vaughn Hubinger (Kati), John and Erik Plaugher, and sister-in-law Rene Plaugher. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, Max.

A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. William W. Hessler will officiate with Military Honors to follow under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and American Legion Post 22. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Melvin G. Millet Learning Center in Saginaw, MI, Marimor Industries in Lima, OH or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Please share your condolences and memories with the family at the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com .