Lowell Douglas Nesselrodt, 74, of Broadway, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following a brief but complicated illness, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 9, 1951, to Homer and Tressie (Mitchell) Nesselrodt, Lowell was the youngest boy of nine children and spent his life in the Shenandoah Valley.

If you knew Lowell, you probably knew he had an opinion on just about everything. He had a dry sense of humor, loved giving people a hard time, and rarely missed an opportunity to tell you exactly what he thought.

He was blessed with the kind of common sense that couldn't be taught in a classroom. If something was broken, he figured out how to fix it. If he gave you his word, you could count on him. If someone needed help, he showed up. And he believed some things deserved a phone call instead of an email.

Lowell spent more than fifty years in construction, first with Harman Construction and later with Stone Hill Construction. He was often the first phone call when someone needed help, advice, or a solution. People trusted his experience, his judgment, and his commitment to doing things the right way.

Retirement gave him more time to spend in his happy place. The mountain was where he found peace. He often said it was where he felt closest to God. There was nowhere he would have rather been.

He loved knowing the mountain's story wouldn't end with him. He found joy in watching future generations build memories there, believing the traditions, stories, love, and laughter shared on that mountain would continue for years to come.

Together, Lowell and Sharon built a home, raised a family, and shared fifty years of marriage. Lowell was proud to watch their family grow, and his legacy lives on in each of them.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who somehow always left with one of Granddaddy's sayings they probably shouldn't repeat. He loved Disney adventures with Sharon, because somewhere between Main Street and Cinderella Castle, the rest of the world seemed to disappear. He loved watching Shannon share his love of hunting and the outdoors with his boys and other young people, knowing each new generation carried forward a piece of the life he loved. For Leslie, he was always the first phone call, not because he had all the answers, but because he had a way of helping her find her own. Though life carried her miles away, not even the distance could change that she would always be Daddy's girl.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sharon (Long) Nesselrodt; his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Michael Chatten; his son and daughter-in-law, Shannon and Rebecca Nesselrodt; his granddaughters, Lilly Chatten and Emma Hornick; his grandsons, Bennett and Reece Nesselrodt; his brother, Jarrett Nesselrodt; his sister, Carolyn Rothwell; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends who became family, Nathanael, Nichole, and Isaac Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Tressie Nesselrodt; his brothers, V.W. "Bill," David, and Steve Nesselrodt; and his sisters, Mae Dove, Katheryn Beck, and Helen Minnick.

In keeping with Lowell's wishes, he will be cremated under the care of Grandle Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at his happy place, the mountain he loved.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, specialists, therapists, home health caregivers, and everyone who cared for Lowell with compassion, dignity, and kindness throughout his illness. Your skill, dedication, and care brought comfort not only to Lowell, but also to the family who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Broadway Rescue Squad in gratitude for the compassionate care they provide.