Lowell A. Tripp

Lowell Allen Tripp of Fargo ND, formerly Oakes ND, age 87, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, December 22, 2025, at Eventide Transitional Care in Moorhead, with his caring wife Karen holding his hand. Lowell was born on August 26, 1938 in Devils Lake, ND to Roy and Helen (Saunders) Tripp. After graduating from Central High School in Devils Lakes and a brief attendance at Iowa State University, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Technology from the University of Montana in Missoula. His career began with the US Army Corp of Engineers at the Table Rock Reservoir in Branson, MO, before he accepted a position as an Upland Game Biologist with the ND Game & Fish Department in Oakes, ND, in 1966. He held this position until his retirement in 2004.

He married Karen Hoikkala on June 20, 1970 in Oakes and through this union two daughters were born, Laura and Amy. Lowell was an active community member, serving on the Oakes Park Board (four years as chairman) and the City of Oakes Special Assessment Committee. He also served on several committees of the Oakes United Methodist Church and various ND wildlife and professional committees, including the National Wild Turkey Federation Technical Committee.

After their girls were on their own, Lowell and Karen began their traveling adventures. They visited all 50 states, enjoyed numerous cruises (Alaska being a favorite), and traveled to Finland to enjoy time with some of Karen’s cousins. Their last few years together were spent at One Oak Place, making many new friends.

Lowell was a proud girl dad and cherished time following the activities of his daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing with his girls and his Canadian fishing trips with friends, as well as time spent at the gun club. Due to his deep appreciation for wildlife, he always had binoculars at his side. Known for his sharp memory, he was a fierce trivia payer who completed crosswords daily. He will be remembered for sharing his favorite humorous idiom, “It will make hair grow on your chest.”

Lowell is survived by his loving wife Karen of 55 years, daughters Laura Woodard of Ramsey, MN and Amy (Rob) Otterson of Horace, ND; three cherished grandchildren, Chase, Dillon and Dailey; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Helen, brother and sister-in-law Doug and Rosemary Tripp and all of his first cousins.

A private family service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. If you wish to honor Lowell’s life, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. The family wishes to thank the many family and friends that have reached out with messages and prayers of support in the final months of Lowell’s life. Your kindness is much appreciated and will never be forgotten.