Services for Lowell Smeby
Lowell Smeby of Grygla, MN. passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. at the age of 66.
Public visitation will be held from Noon until 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 2:30 Private Family Service led by Pastor Ken Bowman. Burial will follow at Valle Cemetery, rural Grygla, MN at 4:15 PM, friends and family are all welcome. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing.
Lowell John Smeby was born on August 10th, 1954 in Thief River Falls, MN to John and Doris (Teigland) Smeby. He was raised on the family farm in Grygla, MN. Lowell was the second oldest of six children. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Marshall County Central High School in Newfolden, MN with the class of 1972.
Lowell was united in marriage to Rochelle Knutson on May 26, 1979 in Radium, MN. Together they lived on the family farm in Grygla, MN. where they raised their 2 children. Lowell spent many years working alongside his father on the farm where they milked dairy cows until 2004 and then raised beef cattle and hay. After selling the dairy, cows, Lowell spent five years working at Polaris. Since then, he did carpentry work and helped with other projects.
Lowell was known as a man of few words but with a heart of gold. He loved his family very much and was known to glow when talking about his grandchildren. Lowell loved to take his grandchildren on Ranger or four-wheeler rides in the woods. During the winter, they would often have a campfire and enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores. Lowell especially loved being able to watch Oliver growing up and they had a close relationship as they would check out life on the farm.
Lowell took pride in his community. He served on several boards including: Farm Service Agency, Grace Lutheran Church council, Red Lake Watershed, Grygla Creamery and the Grygla School.
Lowell is survived by his wife Rochelle of Grygla and two children Nicholas (Lisa) of Swanville and Gretchen of Grygla; Grandchildren: John, Samuel, Oliver, Madeline, and Violet; Siblings Jim (Eileen) of Fertile; Paul (Marie) of Thief River Falls, Pam (Tim) Mostrom of Grygla, and JoAnn (John) Orpen of Battle Lake. Brother-in-law Perry Hubbard of Panama City, Panama. Along with many, many other family and friends.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy, father & mother-in-law, Neil & Florence Knutson, brothers-in-law Roger and Randy Knutson, and sisters-in-law Patti Smeby and Kandy Knutson.
Lowell Smeby lived to the age of 66 years, 4 months, and 8 days. May his memory be blessed.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
