The room was dimly lit while hymns played softly in the background. And he was surrounded by love. On the evening of December 23, 2025, Lowell George Michels took his last peaceful breath and quietly slipped into Glory and into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His daughter Adora and Granddaughter Emilie were holding his hands as he passed into victory. He was 93 years old.

He was the first born of seven to Fredrich and Margaret Michels in Fairbury, Nebraska October 12, 1932. The times were tough, just 3 years into the Great Depression. His early years were on a farm where money was scarce but love was abundant. He finished 2nd and 3rd grade in one year and 5th and 6th grade in one year while attending a 1-roomed schoolhouse. Eventually, his family moved into town where he had a paper route with his brother Lee. Lowell graduated high school at age 16. He worked at Montgomery Wards for a year to save for college. The next year he went to Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. After 2 years there he took a summer job driving big construction trucks in Wisconsin. He decided to transfer to North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was there that this German met a Norwegian girl named Audrey Kallevig. Her kindness, grace, and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on those who knew her, especially Lowell.

After he graduated college in 1954 with a degree in ministry and theology, Lowell and Audrey were married. Every Sunday Lowell and Audrey would drive to Menomoni, MN where he pastored a small Assembly of God Church. During the week he worked at Sherwin Williams setting up new stores in the Minneapolis area. At night he worked at Midwest Patrol doing security work with his buddy Bob Crawford.

By the early 1960’s Lowell found his true calling - business working at N. R. Hansemann Company, later known as Hanco. His first job there was sweeping floors. He learned the tire business from Nick Hansemann and soon was given the chance to buy the business with another young salesman Jack Wright. That partnership was a success. The business grew and offered Lowell a life that allowed him to be generous to many. He would often say that was God’s blessing, it wasn’t because he was so smart or special. He was always grateful for the opportunity that he had at Hanco. Upon Jack’s passing in 1997 Lowell became sole owner until his own retirement in 2004 when he sold the business to Dennis Larson, the current owner of Hanco. In all, Lowell received a paycheck from Hanco for over 61 years, a reality of which he was amazed.

During those early happy years Lowell’s proudest moment came when he and Audrey became parents to a little girl, Adora, in 1966. She became the center of their world and had a front row seat to the remainder of Lowell’s life. Together and for years well into his 80’s, Lowell and Adora and others enjoyed traveling westward in RV’s. One enduring image his family will always have is Lowell at Wall Drug, South Dakota, holding up a cup of coffee in one hand and a maple glazed donut in the other as he smiles from ear to ear.

Lowell’s happy place was a 5 acre lake property on the shores of Solomon Lake. Audrey coined the property Wise Acres. This special place became a retreat for many friends and family for over 35 years. The joy created there with boats, jet skis, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, tractors, hay rides (without the hay) and big camp fires were enjoyed by all.

Having been raised by a gifted machinist, Lowell also could fix anything. His building at Wise Acres or his garage in Apple Valley offered him and his friends, Carl Swanson and Earl Norwood the perfect place to fix RV’s and all sorts of toys.

A committed Christian, Lowell’s faith was central to his life. He lived his beliefs with generosity and faithfulness, guided by prayer. His faith shaped his character and informed the kindness he showed to family, friends, and his community. He was always involved in leadership at the churches he attended. Often he taught and led great discussions in his adult Sunday School classes much like what his father had done when he was growing up. In recent years, he loved talking about Jesus and theology with friends Dick Dresselhaus and Bill Kuebler. He loved those conversations.

Audrey passed away too early, in 1988. However, God intervened and in 1989 Lowell married Gwen Rasmussen, a long time friend of the Michels family. Their marriage was marked by companionship, shared values, and a deep commitment to faith and family. Gwen was musically talented, playing the piano whenever she had the opportunity. It was a second marriage for both of them and they often expressed how blessed they both were to have been able to have two good marriages each. Gwen preceded him in death in 2021.

In 2004 Lowell and Gwen relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma and lived across the street from Adora and her family. Granddaughter Emilie was 2. A favorite memory was when Emilie would go across the street and knock on his door and ask for Oreo’s. She would ask for 4, he would offer 2 and they would agree on 3. Together they would have a treat. They both loved being neighbors.

As Lowell and Gwen grew older and needed more care they relocated once again to a shared home with Adora and her husband Chris. The property had a place for his shop and tools which brought him hours of enjoyment. Even after Gwen’s passing, his second family traveled to Tulsa many times to assist with his care. He was always glad to see them and their love and care (especially the care provided by FSIL John) made it possible for him to stay at home until his final days.

Lowell is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Adora and Chris Davis, and his granddaughter Emilie, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. His second family who he dearly loved and who survive him are Gary and Marva Rasmussen, Linda Woods, Sandy and Steve Ballard, Renee and John Gustafson and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lowell has two siblings who survive him as well, a brother Stan Michels and sister Hope Benedict, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.

The family wishes to say a special “Thank You” to Miller Hospice for their care in his last months. Shayla, Shalynn and Ashley, we could not have done it without your help and compassion.

A graveside ceremony will be held Monday, June 22, 11:00 AM, at Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.