Earl J. Purcell, age 96, of Annandale, died Friday, July 15, 2016 at the Annandale Care Center.

    Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. George Kallumkalkudy officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Annandale.  Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale.  A prayer service will be held 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Earl Joseph Purcell was born March 15, 1920 in Annandale to Arthur and Elizabeth (Kalway) Purcell. On October 2, 1941 he was united in marriage to Bernice F. Coombs at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Maple Lake and she preceded him in death on October 6, 1986. Earl proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWll from 1942-1945. After the service Earl worked as a lineman, carpenter, farmer, plumber and from 1966-1982 he owned and operated Purcell Excavating. On November 6, 1987 Earl married Helen K. O’Loughlin at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale and she preceded him in death on June 1, 2008. Earl was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Annandale VFW, additionally, he served on Corinna Township Board and the Annandale Creamery Board. He enjoyed telling a joke, traveling, dancing, and gardening. Earl was especially proud of his family and being a member of the VFW Honor Guard.

    Earl is survived by his children, Jack (Peggy) of Annandale, Larry (Anna) of Maple Lake, Don (Patty) of Maple Lake, Robert (Carol) of Annandale, Mary (William) Greene of Owatonna, Daniel of St. Cloud, Deborah (Dean) Flygare of Annandale and Timothy (Mary) of Winsted; special friend Kathryn Helwig; 25 grandchildren; and 47 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 wives; son Edward; 3 sisters; and 2 granddaughters Stacy and Roberta Jean.

    Jack, Larry, Don, Jeff, Robert and Daniel Purcell will serve as pallbearers. Music will be provided by St. Ignatius Music Ministry and the soloist will be Sarah Burke.

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