Lonnie Cowherd, 78, Passes Away in Minnesota

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Lonnie Philip (Phil) Cowherd, a 78-year-old resident of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2025 due to complications from lewy body dementia. Cowherd had a 35-year career with the Minnesota state government, focusing on employee development, and was an avid hobbyist who enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, and collecting coins and stamps.

Why it matters

Cowherd's passing marks the loss of a long-serving Minnesota state employee who dedicated his career to developing others, as well as an active community member with a wide range of hobbies and interests. His life story highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the impact that public sector workers can have on their communities.

The details

Born in Columbia, Kentucky, Cowherd grew up in Leola, South Dakota and graduated from high school in Scotland, South Dakota. He excelled in sports, especially track and field, and continued to run competitively in college at Dakota Wesleyan University. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees, Cowherd spent two years teaching high school in South Dakota before moving his family to Minnesota, where he began a 35-year career with the state government, primarily focused on employee development. He also spent two years in Washington, D.C. with the National Highway Institute.

• Lonnie Philip (Phil) Cowherd passed away on December 20, 2025.
• Cowherd graduated from high school in Scotland, South Dakota.
• Cowherd received a BA from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1969 and a Masters from South Dakota State University in 1971.

What’s next

A family Celebration of Life and a graveside prayer service at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen, South Dakota are planned, with dates to be determined.