Lowell E. Peik, age 85, of Good Samaritan Center, Albert Lea,

died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, following a long illness.

Graveside services with full military honors and inurnment will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date.

Survivors include two sons: David Peik of Mankato, and Steven (Linda) Peik of Oelwein, Iowa; three grandchildren: Valerie (Steve) Mooney of Minneapolis,

Matthew Peik of Davenport, Iowa, and Samuel Peik of Iowa City, Iowa; and two great grandchildren: Andrew and Ella Mooney, both of Minneapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence, in 2001; a brother, Dr. Donald Peik; and two grandsons, Daniel Peik and Benjamin Peik.

Born March 28, 1918, in Brownton, Minn., Lowell graduated from Brownton High School in 1936. In 1940 he married Florence Martin in Brownton. Lowell began a 30 year career in 1940 as a Meat Inspector for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture,

retiring in 1972. He later worked for Farm Bureau Insurance as a Crop Hail Adjuster. Lowell proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway during World War II. He was a lifelong and 50-year member of VFW Post No. 447, and American Legion Post No. 56, as well as Masonic Lodges Western Star No. 26 in Albert Lea, and Guardian Lodge No. 149 in Brownton. Lowell also was a member of the Eagles and 40 & 8.

Memorials will be directed to the American Cancer Society.