Lowell Norman Stelter

TYLER–Lowell Norman Stelter was born on December 23, 1937, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Walter and Lydia Stelter. He was later joined by his brothers, Loryn and Ronald, and sister, Naomi. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith in Island Lake Church. He attended Lynd School and graduated in 1955. He later attended South Dakota State University School of Agriculture and graduated in 1957.

Lowell was a proud veteran of the United States military, having served in both the South Dakota Air National Guard from 1960 to 1966 and later in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 1976 to 1992.

Lowell married Connie Gudmundson in 1961, and he and Connie started farming in Yellow Medicine County near Boyd, MN. They soon moved to Ivanhoe and farmed there for ten years, during which time they started their family of five children. Due to significant farm crop losses caused by hail and its resulting financial hardship, he was forced to sell the farm and began working as a Park Manager for Hole in the Mountain County Park in Lake Benton, MN, from 1972 to 1976. Next, he took a job as the Municipal Bar Manager in Lake Benton, serving in that role until his retirement on December 31, 1999. During that time, Lowell served as a charter member of the Lake Benton First Responders. He and Connie also hosted two foreign exchange students from Brazil and Japan (Ana Paula and Tomoko), who both considered Lowell to be their 2nd Dad. In 2001, after 39 years of marriage, Connie passed away, and Lowell became active in the Beginning Experience of Southwest Minnesota. This peer group helps people who have suffered a loss in their lives. Lowell served on the Board of Directors of that organization. He found great pleasure and meaning in helping others through this transition in their lives. It was there that he met LaVonne Rolsma, whom he married in 2008. They enjoyed many good years in retirement, traveling extensively throughout the United States and abroad to places such as Ireland, Norway, and Germany. He volunteered for many years at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, where he was noted as one of the friendliest ushers you could ever meet! He and LaVonne greatly enjoyed going to dances in the region and meeting people from all over.

In 2021, his health started to decline rapidly, and he was later diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which gradually limited his ability to be physically active and travel. He was homebound for the last 2 years as the disease took its slow and steady march in limiting his world. Despite this, he maintained a sense of acceptance and peace.

Lowell was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church for many years, volunteering for many events and participating in adult Bible studies. Without a doubt, his greatest joy came from being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially attending their many sporting and musical events and keeping up with details of their busy lives. He was known for playing a keen card game known as “Grandpa wins”, and he often did! This skill was sharp as ever, even on the day of his death.

Lowell passed from this life peacefully on June 28, at the age of 87 years.

Lowell will be lovingly remembered by his wife LaVonne, his children: Keith (Carrie), Kathy, Kevin (Adele), Kendall (Emily), Kristi; his step-children: Laurie (Bob) Rolsma, Leigh (John) Gautsche, Lisa (Kyle) Hoekstra, a brother, Loryn (Alice) Stelter, Sister-in-Law, Gloria, 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie, his parents, his infant brother Willmar, his brother Ronald, and a sister, Naomi. While he is no longer cultivating corn and growing friendships, we know he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow card players. Lowell’s kind and caring life touched everyone around him and will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come. Well done! Servant of the Lord. Blessed be his Memory.

Lowell’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Avera hospice staff, Doug Berkland from Peace Lutheran Stephen Ministries, and the many others who showed their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Peace Lutheran Church Building Fund.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 5509 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD. A visitation with family present will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Miller Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD. Fo more information, please visit www.MillerFH.com