Lowell Gene Burkel, known by most as Gene, passed away on June 1st, 2021.

Funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Darrel Cory Officiating. Burial will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Lowell Gene Burkel was born August 7th, 1942 in Detroit Lakes MN, to John Joseph Burkel and Anna Pauline (Thorsen) Burkel. The family lived in Ulen MN. He was the 4th of 5 children. Gene siblings are John Peter, Patricia Joan, Martin David, and Elizabeth Ann.

Gene grew up near Ulen Minnesota on a section of land called Atlanta Township. He graduated from Ulen High School in 1960, then went on to the North Dakota State School of Science graduating in 1962. His first employment was as a highway technician for the state of Washington. He left Washington when employment was found with the state of Minnesota Department of Transportation in 1963. This was his life's work for 43 years, retiring in 2006.

Gene met Kay Lyn Ost in 1964, they were married in 1967. In 1968 their son Robert Gene was born, followed by Michael David in 1969. The family made their home in Detroit Lakes MN, until 1983 when Gene's employment with MN DOT moved to Thief River Falls.

Outside of family and work, Gene kept himself busy with volunteerism, bowling and state parks. Whether it was Grace or Trinity Lutheran in Detroit Lakes, or Redeemer Lutheran of Thief River Falls, he was a very active member and Sunday school teacher. Gene often told stories of teaching Sunday school at Redeemer to a group of special needs adults.

Gene spent many years on the Falls DAC board as a member and board President. He understood the importance of this form of volunteering as it all went to make better lives for citizens who truly need it. Falls DAC recently honored Gene for his years of service with a park bench in his name, The President's Bench.

From the age of 18 to his 60s, Gene relaxed with bowling league every week. Here he spent social time away from work and family, at least until he taught his son Mike how to bowl. Mike would become a fixture on league night.

Gene was a life long sports fan, starting as an athlete in high school to his love of watching sports the rest of his life. More than once he would quote, "I played in every sport I could, I just wasn't any good at them." One might wonder if this mantra is what lead to enjoying so many heart wrenching years as a Viking, Twins, Gopher, North Star/Wild, and ultimately Timberwolves fan. He also loved watching golf. To enjoy watching the sport of golf involves a love of sport, nature and patience, Gene Burkel had them all.

A few words about Gene's name. To most of us he was Gene. It's what his mother, siblings and wife called him, so naturally it's what most family picked up. Those who didn't know him as well called him Lowell. It is the name on official documents and record keeping and meetings. Finally, there is a group of friends who knew Gene by his unofficial name, Cubby. Cubby was bestowed on Gene by a MN DOT coworker in the late 1960s, and it stuck for life. In his working years, if you called the state office and asked for Gene or Lowell they wouldn't have any idea who you want. Say Cubby, you would get thru right away. All this is a testament of Gene's personality. He would never correct anyone on what to call him, and so…three names.

There is one more name attached to Gene Burkel, it is servant. Servant is how he led his life, in service of others. Gene Burkel spent a lifetime taking care of his son, Michael, his wife, Kay, his mother and mother in-law, and all his family. It is correct to say Gene Burkel believed it is for this a Christian is called, to be in service to others. May he know his service is complete.

Lowell Gene Burkel is survived by his sons Robert (Shelly), and Michael; grandchildren Isaiah, Joseph and Noah. Three siblings, John (Marleen) Burkel, Martin (Sheryl) Burkel, and Elizabeth (Coby) Derdzinske. And many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kay Lyn (Ost), his mother Anna "Pauline", father John Joseph Burkel, mother in-law Mildred Ost, and sister Patricia Sweep, sister-in-law Luone Gunderson.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com