Born May 18, 1938, in Albert Lea, to Lars and Alpha Grasdalen, Lowell Grasdalen grew up on the family farm near Manchester, where he learned the values of thrift, hard work, family and community. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956, and married the love of his life, Beverly Korn, on June 26, 1960. After a few years of farming, Lowell switched careers and attended Mankato Business College, which led to a 20-year career in banking, followed by 20 years in sales for McNeilus Steel Co. in Dodge Center.

He and Beverly raised two sons in Dodge Center and helped both to start their own businesses. During his years in sales, Lowell lived in Burnsville, fully enjoying life in the Cities. After retirement in 2003, Lowell and Beverly divided their time at Lowell’s beloved lake cabin in northern Minnesota, their home facing the mountains in Oro Valley, Arizona, and in recent years at their townhome in Eagan. Lowell’s outgoing and friendly personality formed friendships wherever he worked, traveled or lived. He loved biking the trails of Minnesota and Arizona, traveling around the U.S., including trips to Europe and Asia, doing yardwork with his John Deere or enthusiastically fixing up their many homes. Lowell will be remembered by many as a kind and fun-loving man who was always eager to lend a helping hand to family and friends. His warm smile will be missed by the many people he touched over the years.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons Dale (Jane) Grasdalen of Bemidji and Neal (Annie) Grasdalen of Burnsville; grandchildren Alex and Mikaela; and sisters Lorraine Hanson and Marilyn Lewison.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Ruud.

A memorial gathering will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. June 23 at the Eagan Community Center in Eagan.

Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley or Fairview Foundation Hospice in Minneapolis.