Lowell E. Pepper, 85, of Eau Claire and formerly of Austin, Minn., died Monday, Aug, 1, 2011, at his home with his family by his side.

Lowell was born in Austin, on Feb. 4, 1926, to Amy and Earl Pepper. On April 2, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Katzung.

Lowell served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Pennsylvania. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Austin. He was employed at George Hormel Corporation as a master electrician. He also co-owned an electrical contracting company with his lifelong friend, Ralph George. He earned his pilot’s license and logged many hours flying with his sons and friends.

In 1964, Lowell moved his family to St. Paul, where he worked briefly for Armour’s in South St. Paul. He began his career with 3M Company as an electrical estimator. He was a proud member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. While working in the International Electro Products Division, Lowell was able to travel the world. He spent six months in Shanghai, China, in 1985, as a part of the 3M team that opened the first wholly-owned US subsidiary that was allowed in China. Some of his fondest memories were of his South American 3M friends.

In January 1987, Helen and Lowell both retired from 3M. They moved to Arizona where they spent the next 22 years. Lowell especially enjoyed hiking, golfing and volunteering for Sun City Interfaith Services. In December 2008, they moved to Eau Claire to be near family.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, Michael (Sherry) of Austin and Patrick (Brenda) of Houston, Texas; daughter, Peggy (Randall) Casper of Eau Claire; seven grandchildren, Robert (Carla) Pepper, Anna (Chad) Erie, Christopher (Jessica) Pepper, Kate (Zak) Kroum, Andrew, Scott, and Sarah Casper; three step-grandchildren, Brad and Bryan Trimble, and Jairus Ayles; seven great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandson; sisters-in-law, Nadine Johnson of Austin and Mary Ann Flaten of Clear Lake, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Inger Katzung; great-grandson, Thomas Pepper; brothers and their wives, Delmar (Juanita) Pepper and Walter (Georgette) Pepper; sisters, Ruth, Jean, and Helen Jo; brothers-in-law, Richard Johnson and Thomas Flaten; and nephew, Gary Pepper.

Lowell was kind, humble and grateful for the life he was able to live. He loved his friends, family, and most of all, his wife of 66 years.

Private Family Funeral services will be held Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire where American Legion Post 53 will conduct military rites. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com.