Lowell C. Van Berkom

Age 89 of Lino Lakes

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 24, 2025. Lowell was born in 1935 in Powers Lake, North Dakota, the son of Johnny M. and Esther Van Berkom. He was raised on a farm two miles outside of Powers Lake alongside his six siblings, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and family that guided him throughout his life.

Lowell graduated in 1957 from North Dakota State University with a degree in pharmacy. After managing Frank's Pharmacy in Powers Lake, ND, he purchased the store which tragically burned down in 1964. Determined and resilient, Lowell returned to graduate school at NDSU graduating with a master's degree in toxicology in 1968. Lowell was hired by the State of Minnesota BCA Forensic Science Laboratory as a toxicologist where he started the breath alcohol program. He was appointed the Laboratory Director in 1979, and he retired from the BCA in 1998.

Lowell was very active in the field of forensic science. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, had memberships in the Midwestern Association of Forensic Sciences, Society of Forensic Toxicologists, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, International Association for Chemical Testing, and American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. He was an Executive Board Member of the National Safety Council Highway Traffic Safety Division and received the Distinguished Service to Safety and the Robert F. Borkenstein Awards for his contributions. In addition, he was the Chairman and Executive Board Member of the National Safety Council Committee on Alcohol and Other Drugs. He was the first American to Chair the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences Alcohol and Test Committee. In his retirement, he continued working as a consultant in forensic toxicology.

It was in Powers Lake that he met the love of his life, Leanne. The two were united in marriage on November 11, 1961, and would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. Lowell and Leanne made their home in Roseville, Minnesota, for 22 years before settling in Shoreview, where they lived for 32 years prior to moving to Lino Lakes in 2022. Together, they enjoyed raising a family of five wonderful children. Lowell and Leanne travelled the world together. Their favorite memories were made during their annual trips to Cancun, summers at Pelican Lake with family and friends. Lowell loved spending time in his boat with his children and grandchildren, going to his grandchildren's events, and attending Vikings and Wild games. He and Leanne were happiest when surrounded by loved ones, including their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Lowell was preceded in death by daughter, Beth Zeilinger; parents, John and Esther; father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Beatrice Holmen; siblings, Adonna (Roy), Darlene (Daren), Yvonne (Ralph), Lupe (Bob), and Roger; brothers-in-law, Alvin "Bub" (Jeraldine), Raymond, and Richard.

He is survived by his wife Leanne; children, Jonathan (Susan), Michael (Lesley), Craig (Anne), Christy (Bret) Partington; grandchildren, Adam, Ryan (Elizabeth), Anna (Jordan), Rachel (Daniel), Jenna (Joseph), Brady, Megan, Emma, Thomas, and Archie (Abby); several great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara; sisters-in-law, Eunice and Linda; son-in-law, Bruce; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation 4-7pm Sunday, November 2 nd at Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear. Celebration of Life 11am Monday, November 3 rd at Incarnation Lutheran Church, 4880 Hodgson Rd, Shoreview, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment at Incarnation Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.