Lowell Kenneth Rask

August 12, 1930 - January 2, 2021

Lowell Kenneth Rask passed away in the early morning of January 2, 2020. Born August 12, 1930 in Monmouth, Illinois, Lowell was the fifth and last child of Mannie and Lilian (Erlandson) Rask. He had one brother, Eugene Rask, and three sisters, Louise (Vail) Nelson, Donna (Don) Boyer and Betty Rask, who preceded him in death. Lowell received his primary education at Ontario Country School and graduated from Victoria High as part of its last graduating class in 1948. After graduating high school, he joined the US army. He served one year on active duty and six in the reserves, ending his military career with the rank of Master Sergeant. After leaving active service, he returned home and married the greatest love of his life, Marilyn Sornberger in 1952. He was manager at Singer Sewing Machine in Galesburg until 1956 when the family moved to Victoria and he went into business with his father-in-law, Roland Sornberger, in petroleum distribution for Standard Oil Company. After his father-in-law retired, he ran the business successfully for over 40 years before selling out and starting a used construction equipment business. There he worked until his passing, refusing to retire. A lover of travel, Lowell had an opportunity to visit many different countries on behalf of the business. Lowell was above all a family man. Whether attending ball games or Christmas plays or going on fishing trips, he was always in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Holiday parties were always at Grandpa Lowell’s house and he led the entertainment with his limitless supply of stories and jokes. He had a wonderful bass voice and frequently sang at weddings, church events, or simply serenaded his wife. He was a member of the Victoria Methodist Church, active in the former Lions Club of Victoria. Fishing was his favorite pastime and made sure his sons and grandsons knew how to fish. Lowell was always the happiest going to his cabin that he owned on the Fox River in Omro, Wisconsin, and every year from May until the end of summer there was a good chance, he was there catching catfish and sharing it with his friends or family. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed studying birds and knew them by their song. He possessed the soul of an artist, whether through his singing or collecting Indian artifacts. Lowell is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn Rask, as well as two sons, John (Kris) Rask and Robert (Aynur) Rask, both of Victoria. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Rask. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Robert (Meta) Rask, Jacob Rask, Brandon Rask, Michael Rask, Nicole Rask, Chance Rask, Derrick (Lacy) Dykeman, Tyler (Hope) Dykeman, and James Dykeman. Five great-grandchildren Lucas Rask, Amelia Rask, Emerson Rask, Ollie Dykeman and Morty Dykeman survive him as well as many nieces and nephews. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be broadcasted virtually for the public at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 8, 2020 on The Oaks Community Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheOaksCommunityChurch. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to the Victoria Methodist Church or to the Oaks Community Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.