Lowell Gene Bakkedahl

Lowell Gene Bakkedahl, 88, of Dodge Center, formerly of Hayfield, MN, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Pine Haven Rehabilitation Center in Pine Island.

Lowell was born May 13, 1935, in Dodge Center, to Ervin and Edrie (Thompson) Bakkedahl.  He grew up on several farms that the family rented and owned throughout the years.  He loved farming, animals, and all of nature.  He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1953.  He was drafted into the US Army and served from 1956-1958.

Lowell (Odie) farmed with his father on two farms on the Dodge-Mower County line.  His dairy cattle were his most prized possession.  Beautiful flower beds were nurtured on many of his properties.  Some were huge displays of vibrant beauty, while others were smaller exhibits of natural splendor.  His love of flowers was much greater than his love of grass.  He bowled for many years in the local bowling league.  He also enjoyed watching many sports, including football, boxing, UFC, and baseball.  He was a proud Minnesota Twins fan and followed them faithfully. Lowell married Barbara Elias Arnold on July 8, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada; and they had 39 years of love and companionship.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Barb, as well as his four sisters:  Judy (Maynard) Johnson of Blooming Prairie; Janice (Russell) Johnson of Lake City; Laurene Heydt of Stewartville; and LaVonne (Russell) Boullion of Hayfield.  He is also survived by two step-sons:  Troy (Bev) Arnold of Sargeant, and Tim Arnold (Deb) of Kasson, in addition to 7 step-grandchildren:  Tonia (Joel) Kautz, Nichole (Justin) Holtan, Phillip Adams, Nathan (Hannah) Arnold, Gadge Arnold (Mariah), Samantha (Lee) Schmeling, Alexis (Tanner) Arnold and 7 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy Klassen of Arizona; brother-in-law, Doug (Bev) Elias of Glencoe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Edrie Bakkedahl; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Glee Elias; cousin, James Hetchler; brothers-in-law, Virgil Heydt and Dave Klassen; and two step-great-grandchildren, Macy Jo Holtan and Ryan Kautz.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 1st St SE, Hayfield, MN, with Pastor Kristen Anderson officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW Hayfield, MN 55940 (507)477-2259. Blessed be his memory.