Lowell Adrian Sandin

IN FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CDC AND THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, THE FAMILY OF LOWELL SANDIN HAS DECIDED TO CANCEL LOWELL'S PUBLIC VISITATION AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE. A PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE WILL BE HELD. Lowell Adrian Sandin, 85, of Hampton passed away peacefully March 1, 2020 at the MercyOne North Iowa Hospital in Mason City. Lowell Sandin was born January 4, 1935 to Adrian and Grace Sandin in Hudson, Wisconsin. He grew up and lived in and the surrounding areas of St. Croix Falls and Balsam Lake until 1950 when he moved with his parents to Hampton. He graduated from Hampton High School and married his High School sweetheart LaRae Jones on June 10, 1956. Lowell and LaRae remained in Hampton and were married for 63 years. To this union Lowell and LaRae had two children, Kathie and Dennis. He was a loyal husband and dedicated father. He made Jesus Christ the Lord of his life as a teenager. He was fervent in prayer and enjoyed reading and teaching the Bible to others. Lowell served with the Army National Guard for 7 years and became a Specialist E5 in Mortar Artillery. Most of his career was then dedicated to Franklin REC for nearly 40 years. He enjoyed traveling and made annual vacations with the family a priority. The adventurous trips consisted of camping and hiking within 49 states of the U.S. and Canada. Photography was his passion during those times capturing everything from majestic mountain peaks to wildflowers. Day hikes exploring hidden lakes in the Rocky Mountains and other National Parks were common. One summer Lowell led his family on a grueling overnight backpack hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. Lowell's love for travel continued through his retirement years as he and LaRae continued to travel in their RV. They also enjoyed their travels overseas to many parts of Europe. Lowell's extended outdoor enthusiasm included biking on historic railroad beds. His desire to fish kept him returning each year to Northern Minnesota where he was determined to catch a trophy. One of Lowell's favorite hobbies was vintage planes and especially steam trains. His vacation plans often included a ride on a steam train or a visit to a museum full of military planes. His greatest passion was model railroading which was instilled in him as a young boy. From then on he has always been planning and building train layouts in the basement of his home. Lowell had a quiet spirit, thoughtful and kind, known for his dry sense of humor and witty jokes. Lowell is survived by his wife, LaRae; sister, Judith Kramer (Tom) of Arizona; brother-in-law, Donald Jones (Mary Jo) Hampton; daughter, Kathie Rabe Negley (Dan Rabe, David Negley deceased) of Maryland; son, Dennis Sandin (Bonnie) of Coulter; grandchildren, Nathan Rabe (Christie); Ariel Rabe and Sarah Rabe Mahmoud (Nagaty, "Prince") of Maryland; great grandchildren, Yohannah, Shoshie, Abby Rabe, Sophie Mahmoud of Maryland and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Grace Sandin; grandparents, Anders and Clara Sandin, John and Alma Cockburn.

Tributes

Lowell Adrian Sandin

January 4, 1935 - March 1, 2020