Lowell Roland Quimby

Lowell Roland Quimby, age 68 of Zumbrota, Minnesota passed away on March 3, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family. Lowell fought a long hard battle against AL Amyloidisis. Lowell was born on November 11, 1949 to Rolland and Maxine (Tvedt) Quimby in Owatonna, Minnesota. Lowell attended Fairpoint Country School in rural West Concord and West Concord Elementary School. He graduated from West Concord High School in 1968. He then attended Austin Vocational School for two years. Lowell was employed at Universal Ford in Rochester as an auto mechanic. Lowell married the love of his life and best friend, Peggy Swalla, on July 3, 1970 at United Methodist Church in Rochester. In the Fall of 1970, Lowell was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany, where their first son was born. When Lowell's service time was completed, he returned to work at Universal Ford. In 1974, Lowell and Peggy moved to Kenyon, where Lowell started farming with his father, raising dairy cattle and farming crops until he stopped farming in 1994. During this time, their second son and their daughter were born. Also while farming, Lowell worked as a salesman for Archer Oil for many years. In 1994, Lowell began his career as a custodian for Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools. Lowell then transferred as a custodian to the Faribault Public Schools, where he retired from in 2015 and was greatly missed. Lowell and Peggy moved from the farm in Kenyon to their home in Zumbrota in 2016. Lowell's interests were racing, gardening, farming, fixing and repairing around the farm and could often be seen standing around the burn barrel tending to one of his many fires. He loved socializing with other people and had an infectious smile. Lowell is survived by his wife, Peggy of Zumbrota; sons, Steven (Lisa) Quimby of Faribault, Benjamin (Jessica) Quimby of Dodge Center; daughter, Shelby (Paul Wilkus) Quimby of Wanamingo; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Lowell is also survived by his mother, Maxine Quimby of Kenyon; brothers, Roger (Judy) Quimby of West Concord, Dennis (Joyce) Quimby of Owatonna; mother-in-law, Jean Swalla of Kasson and many extended family members. Lowell was preceded in death by his father, Rolland Quimby; paternal and maternal grandparents; father-in-law, Robert Swalla; sister-in-law, Ann Bradford; nephews, Jacob Quimby and Ronald Schwenke and great-nephew, Gavin Quimby. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Pine Island Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions are preferred to charity of donor's choice. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com