Lowell T. Johnsrud

Lowell T. Johnsrud, 75 of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, passed away suddenly on September 21, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1950, to Stuart and Grace (Barnes) Johnsrud and grew up on the family farm in Schley, Iowa.

He spent many years working on the family farm and in the family cheese factory, Schley Cheese Company. Lowell loved the family business and could name every cheesemaker and employee that worked at the factory. He had a knack for math and could answer with speed how many pounds of cheese you can make from so many pounds of milk. Lowell loved to visit with people, and he could tell you some small tidbit about every milk hauler that brought milk to the factory.

The opportunity presented itself to open a bar and restaurant across the street from the cheese factory. Being a people person and having a great love of food made the decision easy. LJ's Saloon soon opened its' doors. Lowell could be seen there every day chatting with customers and grilling steaks. He took great pride in the quality of his food, including serving his mom's famous homemade salads and pies. He had many repeat customers that he considered treasured friends.

Lowell sold the bar and moved to Des Moines to work for his brother Leon. He worked for over 30 years at Johnsrud Transport running errands and doing whatever was needed to keep the fast-paced days moving smoothly. He enjoyed the people he met at work and knew just about everyone in the trucking industry. All you had to say was "it's Lowell" and they would know what he needed or what order he was picking up. He retired in 2019 and celebrated at his favorite restaurant with family and friends.

He recalled with fondness his trips to Hawaii and to Japan. He also loved country music and fairs. He attended fan fair in Nashville many times and got to meet and take photos with his favorite singers. He was a daily visitor at the Iowa State Fair. He befriended many vendors and of course made time for plenty of cheese curds, music and tractor pulls.

He is survived by his brother, TJ Johnsrud and fiancée, Jeri Mace of Conrad, IA; beloved former sister-in-law, Margaret (Svoboda) Johnsrud; nieces, Jackie (Jeff) Gordon, Kristin (Jack) Wilson and Keri Johnsrud; nephews, Mike (Kim) Johnsrud and Jason (Pamela) Johnsrud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart C. and Grace (Barnes) Johnsrud; brother, Leon Johnsrud; sister, Linda Johnsrud-Gebhardt; beloved former sister in-law, Jude (Wilkins) Johnsrud and nephew, Stuart R. Johnsrud.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Iles Dunn's Chapel, 2121 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA from 4:00-5:30 PM and will conclude with the Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Basilica of Saint John Catholic Church, 1915 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA on October 3, 2025, at Noon, followed by Interment at Highland Memory Gardens, Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, take a friend to lunch.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.