The memorial service for Earl Ashpole of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea. The Rev. Dennis Frank will officiate. Friends may visit with family one hour before the service at the funeral home. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Groups.
Earl died Thursday, March 19, 2009 following his battle with cancer at the VA Medical Center, Minneapolis. He was 69 years old.
Earl was born in Wells on Nov. 24, 1939, the son of Emery and Genevieve (Awe) Ashpole. He graduated from Albert Lea High School where he was an outstanding football and hockey player. Earl had been a life time resident of Albert Lea. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was involved in Bible Study and Coffee Group. He served his country in Germany in the U.S. Air Force.
Earl had worked in the construction field and was a bartender in Albert Lea. He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W.
Earl enjoyed fishing, gardening, pets and his special cat. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with family and grandkids.
Earl is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Albert Lea; stepchildren: Brenda (Ron) Lageson of Manchester, James (Sue) Flanagan of Rochester, Linda (Charles) Schmidt of Alden; grandchildren: Jenna, Kelli and Shelby Lageson, Michael, Bryan and Rachel Flanagan, Jason and Cassie Davis; sister-in-law, Darlene Johannsen of Brooklyn Park; nieces and nephews.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary Classen; and brothers: Bob, Kenneth and Roger.