Mankato, MN - Loren John Burkel, age 78 of Mankato, MN died peacefully at Oaklawn Care Center on Friday, April 17th, 2026.

Loren was born on August 20th, 1948 in Blue Earth County MN to Sylvester and Ottilia Burkel. He grew up in North Mankato MN and attended high school at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN, graduating in 1966. He then attended Mankato State College.

Following graduation, Loren pursued his lifelong passion of journalism and photography. He worked in the Chicago area taking photos of harvester silos and writing articles to be published in farm magazines. Loren eventually returned to Minnesota working various jobs. In 1976 he was a News Coordinator for Farmfest. He worked for Ryt-Way Industry, Sears as a Sales Associate in the tool and hardware department and also was a forklift operator for Malt-O-Meal in Northfield, MN.

Loren enjoyed being out in nature, fishing and skiing. He was an avid skier both water and snow. He taught his nieces and nephews how to ski at his parent's cabin on Duck Lake. Loren was a very social person, known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor. He loved meeting new people and learning about them.

Loren is survived by a sister, Mary James; cousins; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sylvia Richardson; and his brother, Raymon.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 525 Grant Ave. North Mankato with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Following mass, his burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery, 200 Goodyear Ave. A luncheon will follow at Holy Rosary Church.