Lowell Doebbert, 86

Lowell A. Doebbert, 86, Glenwood, died Thursday, December 11, 2008 at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood.

Funeral services were held December 16 at Glenwood Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Chrissis officiating. Interment was at Glenwood Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Lowell Doebbert, the son of Louis and Anna (Borchard) Doebbert, was born April 27, 1922 in Canby. He was baptized May 14, 1922 at Nicolai Lutheran Church, Oshkosh Township in Lac qui Parle County. He grew up on farms in the Canby and Madison areas. Lowell was confirmed on September 29, 1935 at Garfield Lutheran Church of rural Madison. He graduated from West Central School of Agriculture in Morris and later enrolled at the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture to study agricultural education.

In September of 1942, he enlisted in the Army ERC (Enlisted Reserve Corps) and was called to active duty in April of 1943. Upon discharge from the Army, Lowell returned to the U of M. While there he met Gloria Kamps. The two were married July 27, 1947. After graduating from college, Lowell taught in Warren and Forest Lake. He began farming in Glenwood in 1950, before returning to teach in Kimball and Cyrus. While at Cyrus, he commenced graduate work and became principal. After earning his master’s degree, he took a position as a high school counselor in Glenwood. After seven years in Glenwood, he was offered the job of being the first counselor at Alexandria AVTI (now Alexandria Technical College). He continued to serve in that capacity until he retired. He also continued to farm after retirement.

Lowell enjoyed traveling. Over the years he journeyed to Scandinavia, many countries in Europe and all over North America. He also traveled to Rwanda and to Madagascar, where he and Gloria spent 30 days as mission advocates. Lowell also enjoyed photography, woodworking, vegetable gardening, boating and music. He was a member of the “Vikingland Chordsmen” barbershop chorus for 20 years, and was a faithful promoter of the Central Lakes Concert Association. In 1988, Lowell and Gloria moved to a new home in Glenwood and Lowell became even more active in community activities. He was a member of the Gideons, the Lions Club, and many church groups. He was on the board of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at U of M in Morris for 39 years. Lowell will be remembered by the many students he helped and his commitment to church, education and community.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gloria; his children, Gwendolyn Doebbert (husband, Richard Epstein) of Sacramento, California; Jan (wife, Nancy) Doebbert of Glenwood, and Belvin (wife, JoEllen) Doebbert of Glenwood; five grandchildren, Sarah, Amalia, Josh, Connor and Gavin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

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