Obituary of Lowell Ittel

Lowell Ittel, age 89 of Minnetonka, passed away May 25^th, 2023. 

Preceded in death by parents Albert and Edna Ittel, and his wife, Bernice “Benny” Ittel.    Lowell grew up near Waconia on a dairy farm.   He graduated from Waconia High School in 1951, where he played varsity football.   Lowell served in the US Army (24^th Infantry Division) and was deployed overseas in Korea.  Prior to his deployment, Lowell married Benny (his high school Sweetheart) in 1955.  They would be married for 61 years, until Benny’s passing in 2016.  

Lowell had a long career working for the US Postal Service, retiring in 1992 after 35 years of service.   In addition, he proudly served as a Minnetonka Firefighter for 20 years. A man of strong faith, he has been a member of Zion Lutheran church in Hopkins Minnesota since 1953, playing a very active role in church activities, including serving for many years as an Elder.  Lowell volunteered and delivered “Meals on Wheels” for many years and, as his friends and family will attest, was always available to lend a helping hand; whether tackling a handyman project, painting or making wood.  

Growing up in the country inspired in him a life-long love of all things outdoors.  An avid hunter and fisherman, it was a rare week when Lowell didn’t find time to get out on the lake.  Lowell shared this love of nature with his sons and grandchildren.  Many memories of fishing and hunting trips with family and friends will be fondly remembered.   Although Lowell left the farm for the suburbs, the farm never left Lowell.  Each year he would plant and tend to his large backyard garden growing a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers.   He was especially proud of his raspberry patch in which he enlisted the help of his sisters and family to help pick and enjoy.  Lowell was never one to sit still. He was a “do-it-yourself” kind of guy, continuously starting projects around the house.  He loved a new challenge and learning how to do something he had never attempted before.  When all else failed, he sometimes even read the directions.

In addition to the outdoors, Lowell enjoyed playing cards, especially “Sheepshead”.    Along with Benny, he did a lot of traveling following retirement, including trips to Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Germany, Mexico and throughout the USA.  After spending over 60 years in his Minnetonka home, Lowell was able to move to the Glenn where he shared time with his companion Marilyn Mason. He loved to laugh and have a good time socializing with friends, neighbors and especially family! 

Survived by sons Jeff (Kelly) and Terry (Gina); grandchildren Ryan, Jack, Ross, Tayler and Eric Ittel, Brennen Lafore and a great grandchild Summer; Sisters Marilyn Runquist, Marlys Meintsma and Delphine (Richard) Sunderland.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday June 23^rd at Zion Lutheran Church – 241 5^th Avenue North, Hopkins, MN 55343. Visitation at 10 AM.  Memorial preferred to Zion Lutheran Church.