Arthur Lowell Tvedt

ARTHUR LOWELL TVEDT

Arthur Lowell Tvedt, 88, of Kasson, MN and formerly of Bryon, MN, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 1, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus in Rochester, MN.

Lowell was born on May 30, 1930, the son of Clarence and Lydia (Williams) Tvedt on the family farm in Canisteo Township, Dodge County, MN. He enjoyed growing up on the farm and received an 8th grade education at Union Springs School. At age 24, Lowell was the last person to be drafted in Dodge County for the Korean War. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Lewis in Tacoma WA; Japan and Korea, and was a member of the American Legion in Kasson.

Lowell met Janice Boyum, of Peterson/Lanesboro, MN at the Play-Mor Ballroom in Rochester, and they were married on December 6, 1958, at Arendahl Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, MN. From 1961 to 1967 Lowell and Janice helped raise two of Janice’s young cousins; Linda and Diane Boyum. They also had two children of their own, John and Sarah. Janice passed away on December 10, 2005. Lowell married Pauline Brannan on February 21, 2010, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church in rural Kasson, MN.

Lowell was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson and was baptized and confirmed at the old church. He served on Church Council and in 1963, was on the Building Committee for the current facility.

Lowell was active with Vernon Edda Mutual Fire Insurance Company, serving on the board for 33 years, ending in 2004. He went to school to become an agent, sold insurance, and enjoyed serving as well as visiting his customers. He took over as the Secretary and Manager of the company for eight years during that time. Lowell and Janice, who was the Treasurer, spent many hours in the office.

Lowell was a hard working farmer his entire life, buying a half-interest in the family farm, with his father, in 1947, at age 17. He farmed for over 70 years.  Lowell was proud that the farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2007.   Lowell was a strong believer in soil conservation practices, earning the Dodge County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1964, 1985, and 1999. He enjoyed farming with his son and was actively farming until his passing.

Lowell was a member of the Kasson Lumber Yard board and served as the President. For 13 years ending in 1976, Lowell was on the Canisteo Township board as clerk. Lowell also sold seed with Farm Bureau.

He was a good carpenter and completed many home improvement projects over the years. When Lowell wasn’t busy farming or going to meetings, he enjoyed visiting, playing cards, reading the newspaper and going for car rides. Most of all he enjoyed his children, grandchildren and welcomed the addition of the Brannan family and each new step-great-grandchild that arrived.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Pauline Tvedt, Kasson, MN; son, John (Jodie) Tvedt, Byron, MN; daughter, Sarah (Eric) Pool, Rochester, MN; 4 grandchildren, Ethan, Alexandra, Elizabeth Pool and Caleb Tvedt; siblings, Maxine Quimby, Kenyon, MN; George Tvedt, Cottageville, SC; Shirley Wiseman, Prior Lake, MN; special cousins, Linda (Bill) Steffen, Bloomington, MN; Diane Eckhart, St. Paul, MN; step-sons, Gary (Tracy Stephens) Brannan, Kasson, MN; Mark (Jennifer) Brannan, Kasson, MN; Dale (Andrea) Brannan, Mantorville, MN; 6 step grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren.

Lowell is preceded in death by his parents, wife Janice, sister Martha Otto, step son, Paul Brannan and step-mother, Josie Tvedt.

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 801 7th Street SE in Kasson, MN and one hour before the service at the church. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 301 8th Avenue NW in Kasson with Reverend Nirmala Reinschmidt officiating. There will be military honors by the Kasson American Legion. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. in Arendahl Cemetery in rural Peterson, MN.

The family suggests memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Arendahl Cemetery Association.

Blessed be his memory.

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