Lowell J. Bjoraker

Lowell J. Bjoraker, age 90, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Benedictine – St. Anne in Winona.

He was born on June 30, 1933, in Claremont, MN, to John and Evelyn (Johnson) Bjoraker.  Lowell was a graduate of Blooming Prairie High School, the Austin Junior College, and he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota.   He honorably served his country with the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, and was united in marriage with Darlene Naatz on June 6, 1959, in Brownsdale, MN.

Lowell was employed with the Winona County Department of Social Services, and later with the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare as a Supervisor until his retirement.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Winona, the Sons of Norway Nor-Win Lodge #505, and was a former member of the YMCA Y’s-Men.  An avid reader, Lowell was always interested in new things and trying something new, even holding his pilot’s license.  He also enjoyed woodworking, and he looked forward to visiting with his daily coffee group at Hy-Vee.

Lowell is lovingly survived by his wife, Darlene; children: Daniel (Dawn) Bjoraker, Michael (Becky) Bjoraker, and Kay Bjoraker; grandchildren: Betsi (Layne) Edwards, Katie (Matt) Weiss, Ben Bjoraker, Alicia Campbell, Jordan Campbell, and Griffin Weigert; great-grandchildren: Magnus and Charlie Edwards; special friend, Vern Weigert; brother, John Bjoraker; brother-in-law, Tom (Monica) Naatz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law: Joyce and Roger Christianson; an infant sister; and his in-laws, August and Ella Naatz.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church in Winona.  Pastor Greg Schaefer will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery in rural Austin, MN.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lowell’s grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of choice.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Lowell’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.