Michael Lee Lowary, 75, of Freeport, passed away on Thursday, December 8, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Mike was born on May 25, 1947, in Champaign, IL, one of six boys to Woodrow and Wilma
Jean (Wilborn) Lowary.

Mike served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1966 to 1968 as a truck driver. He was employed as an Illinois State Trooper for 33 years, retiring in 2003. He never wanted to be anything more than a road trooper, proudly driving squad car # 16-39 for the Illinois State Police. He finished his career there specializing as a truck weight enforcement officer.

Mike was a friendly, outgoing, and charming person, always equipped with a smile. He married Sharon (Diffenbaugh) Coppernoll on August 8, 1995. He loved going for walks with Sharon and their beloved dog Lucy. They also liked to travel, whether it was to Florida or a bed and breakfast within driving distance. He enjoyed golfing with his son Jeff at his favorite golf course, Park Hills. He piloted many annual
golf trips down south with Jeff and his friends. He was a train enthusiast and in his later years enjoyed following trains virtually with online friends. His greatest escape was to ride his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, whether it was around Freeport and country roads or sharing many cross-country trips with his riding friends.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren.  He was proud of their achievements and was always eager to attend their sporting events in Bloomington and Rockford. He was proud of family also being in law enforcement -- his wife Sharon retiring as a correctional officer at the Stephenson County Jail and his stepdaughter Keegan recently becoming a Stephenson County Sherriff's Deputy.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sharon; her mother Ann Diffenbaugh of Freeport, IL; his son Jeff (Kelly) Lowary of Rockford, IL; his daughter Julie (Dave) Bronke of Bloomington, IL; his step-daughters Courtney (Darius) Vukasinovic of Australia and Keegan Coppernoll of Freeport, IL; his brothers Charlie (Susan), Glenn, and Johnny, all of Champaign, IL; his five grandchildren Meadow and Maylyn Bronke and Bennett, Elizabeth, and Macy Lowary; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Don
Diffenbaugh, brothers Dennis and Thomas, and grandson Matthew Michael Lowary.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to noon, followed by the funeral on Tuesday, December 13, at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a memorial established in his name would be appreciated. Please visit www.walkermortuary.com to sign his online guestbook and share memories.

There will a reception at the Freeport Eagles club following the service.