Wendell L Owens

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
(507) 388-2288

Wendell Lou Owens, age 82, of North Mankato and long time resident of Lake Crystal died, May 30, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2013 at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service on Tuesday. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Wendell was born on November 7, 1930 in Lake Crystal, MN to Lewis and Edythe (Jones) Owens. He attended and graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1948. While growing up he sold milk door to door with his brother pulling a cart through town, worked at the local movie theater and with his father at Owens Chevrolet. Wendell was united in marriage to Barb Appel of Mankato on September 22, 1951. Wendell was a very proud US Army veteran having served our county during the Korean War from 1951 through 1953. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Wendell returned to Lake Crystal where he operated the Owens Chevrolet Business and later purchased the Lake Crystal Bus Service which he operated until 1985. After moving to North Mankato Wendell drove bus for the City of Mankato until his death. Wendell was a member of Lake Crystal American Legion Post 294. He was recently acknowledged as a 50 year member of the Bethel Lodge 103 Masonic Temple of Lake Crystal, where he had served as a past Worshipful Master.

Wendell's great loves included his family, story telling, public speaking, and his beloved Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He was often asked to be the master of ceremonies and keynote speaker at several events including Veteran Memorial Services. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his smile, and his firm handshake.

Wendell will be greatly missed by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, daughter LeAnne (Mark) Miller, sons, Bradley (Sue) Owens, Steven (Margaret) Owens, and Todd Owens; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Erin) Miller, Benjamin (Carol) Miller, Ryan Miller, Alison Miller, Michael (Hannah) Owens, Denay Owens, Megan Owens, Sara Owens, and Amber Owens; sister-in-law, Maxine Owens; four nieces and many extended family.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Merle Owens.