Lowell Gauer

Lowell J. Gauer, age 84, of New Richmond, WI. and formerly of Willmar, died Thursday morning, Sept 5, at the St. Croix Health Care Center in New Richmond, WI. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the First Baptist Church in Willmar. Private interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com Lowell Junior Gauer was born on May 17, 1929, in East Lake Lillian Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Leo and Ellen (Olson) Gauer. He grew up in the Lake Lillian community and graduated from Atwater High School in 1947. On June 17, 1950, Lowell was united in marriage to Arlene Mathilda Johnson at the Blomkest Baptist Church and they made their home on the family farm near Lake Lillian. In 1955, they moved into Willmar. Lowell owned and operated Northwest Maintenance Company for many years. Arlene died on January 28, 2002 and in 2003, Lowell retired. On October 15, 2004, Lowell was married to Nona Schmelter and they made their home in Willmar. In May of 2011, they moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin. Lowell was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Willmar. He served as the church custodian, sang with the men's quartet and was active in the radio ministry with Arlene for many years. In his younger years, Lowell was a volunteer ambulance driver, a past president of the Crow River Fellowship Riders, a founding member of the Willmar Sno-Skippers and member of the Willmar Area Snow Patrol. He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, golfing, sports and visiting with family and friends. Lowell loved the Lord, his wife and his entire family. He is survived by his wife, Nona of New Richmond, WI.; four children, Kevin (and Chae) Gauer of Maple Grove, Colleen Dold of Spicer, Steven Gauer of New London and Lee (and Michelle) Gauer of Spicer; four step children, Lori (and Michael) Schara of Spooner, WI., David (and Jill) Schmelter, John (and Lori) Schmelter and Kathy (and Harley) Durand, all of New Richmond, WI.; four grandchildren; eleven step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings, Warren (and Evelyn) Gauer of Willmar, Leone Lee of Salem, OR., and Bette Prudlow of New Hope; besides other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Arlene in 2002 and son-in-law, Richard Dold.