Lowell Ricks

Lowell Ricks, 87, of Elbow Lake, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025.

Lowell Gordon Ricks was born in Grant County, Minnesota on September 13, 1937, the son of Lawrence and Gladys (Christenson) Ricks. Lowell was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wendell, Minnesota, where he was a lifelong member.

Lowell attended Elbow Lake High School and was a graduate of the Golden Eagles class of 1955. He excelled in sports and was a part of successful football, basketball, and track teams. After graduation, Lowell enlisted in the U. S. Army where he spent much of his 21-month active duty in the state of Washington where he was elected to the Company baseball team.

Lowell returned to Grant County, Minnesota to marry Marilyn Larson and with that union they had two children: Joni Rae and Michael Lawrence and they were raised on the farm of Lowell’s childhood.

Lowell was married to his second wife, Ginger, in 1973 and farmed for a total of 65 years, retiring in 2024.

Lowell was able to combine his two passions, farming and flying as the focus of his life’s work. Ricks Aerial Spraying logged many miles over many years, flying four feet off the ground. He was driven to the outdoors by also enjoying many hunting and fishing trips with friends and family over the years.

Lowell Ricks died on April 11, 2025, at Lake Region Hospital, Elbow Lake. He was 87 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ginger; his son Michael (Jacqueline) of Orono, Minnesota; 7 grandchildren: Matthew Miller (Strasburg, ND), Aaron and Ryan Miller (Fargo, ND), Johnathan Ricks (San Diego, CA), Samuel Ricks (Minnetonka, MN), Jack Ricks (Savannah, GA), and Grace Ricks (Chicago, IL); and brother-in-law Flip (Kim) Wilson (Key West, FL).

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Joni Rae Miller and son-in-law Jay Miller (Strasburg, ND).

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wendell, with a 1 hour visitation prior.