Lucien R. Cole

Lucien R. Cole, 83, a longtime resident of Stewartville, MN died on Thursday (January 1, 2026) surrounded by family, following a short illness made more complex by an existing heart condition, at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St. Marys Campus.

Lucien Raymond Cole Jr. was born on August 20, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN to Lucien and Deloris (Huntington) Cole. He grew up in Spring Valley, Minnesota where he attended school and graduated from HS in 1960.  Lucien married Carol (Ladsten) on June 20, 1965.  They shared a lifetime of love and partnership for 60 years.  Following their marriage, they made their first home in Spring Valley before settling in Stewartville, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. In his own words, Lucien was a “jack of all trades, master of none” until his retirement working in consultative sales across diverse industries including tailored insurance solutions, financial services, and technology. Carol was a homemaker and was employed at Mayo Clinic.

He was a longtime active member of Zion Lutheran Church where he served on the endowment and nominating committees and sang in the senior choir.  Lucien belonged to Lions and Morning Lions clubs. Lucien was an avid reader, found great satisfaction in completing a puzzle, getting a hot streak playing Farkle, fixing clocks, spending time stripping wires and reclaiming copper, and cheering on the Stewartville Boys’ basketball team. Above all, the time he shared with his family was what he loved the most.

Lucien is survived by his wife Carol of Stewartville; 1 daughter Barb (Troy) Thomley, Glendale, AZ and 2 sons; Brad (Amy) Cole, Stewartville, MN, Brian Cole, TX, 4 Grandchildren, 5 Great grandchildren, 1 brother and 2 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 1 granddaughter.                                                                              

A memorial service for Lucien will take place on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Tim Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville.  A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from  9:30 – 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church on the day of the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Research or Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Lucien are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com 

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