In Memoriam: Jon Lowrey of Dane County CU

A 13-year CEO unexpectedly dies; Shay Santos appointed interim leader.

As avid golfers, Jon Lowery and his wife, Carolyn, shared a goal to golf in all 50 states; they played on 26.

Lowery, president/CEO of Dane County Credit Union unexpectedly passed away June 25, the Madison, Wis.-based credit union said. He was 67.

Shay Santos, executive vice president, was appointed interim president/CEO, the board of directors announced following an emergency meeting.

Jon Lowrey

Lowrey joined Dane County CU in 1996 and became president/CEO in 2005.

During his 13-year tenure, the credit union’s assets grew from $82 million to $200 million and so did membership from 8,855 to nearly 20,000. Lowrey also increased the credit union’s full-time staff positions from 36 to 72.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great leader, mentor, and friend,” Joe Guastella said, board chair of Dane County CU. “I would like to express our appreciation for the contributions Jon has made to our credit union and the credit union industry as a whole. He was a man of integrity and honesty and will be greatly missed. On behalf of everyone at Dane County Credit Union, we extend our sincere condolences to the Lowrey family.”

In addition to his wife, Lowrey is survived by his children, Matthew and Elizabeth, five brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services were held at the Gunderson East Funeral Home and Cremation Care on June 30.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association or Project Home through Dane County Credit Union.