A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Earl Duane Crowell age 87 of Magnolia, Arkansas and formerly of Jeffers, will be held Saturday, January 4th at 10:30 AM, with a visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jeffers.
Earl passed away peacefully on November 26th at Wentworth Place in Magnolia, Arkansas.
The service will be livestreamed on the Trinity Lutheran Church of Jeffers Facebook Page.
Earl was born on May 31, 1937, the son of Lincoln and Blanch (Messenbrink) Crowell in Windom, Minnesota. Earl was baptized August 16, 1937, and later confirmed at the Methodist Church in Windom. He graduated from Windom High School in 1955.
On September 12, 1959, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vonette (Vonnie) Vee Musegades, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook, Minnesota. They made their home and raised their family on the farm place south of Jeffers for 64 years of their marriage before moving to Magnolia, Arkansas in October of 2023, where he was affectionately known as “Pops”. Earl and Vonnie were blessed with five children: Lesi, Sherilyn, Sheila, Michael and Steven.
Earl was passionate about his chosen profession of farming. Like many farmers, Earl was a resilient man, who persisted through difficult times on the farm and in life, holding onto the hope of a successful harvest. Despite the challenges and uncertainties involved with farming, Earl held to the belief that planting seed and nurturing life from the earth represented an act of faith for a positive future of growth and abundance even in the face of adversity. After he retired, he enjoyed watching the process through other neighbors completing the harvest. He was a man of many skills and held several side jobs while farming with his brother and business partner, Paul Crowell. Earl sold Dekalb corn, graded roads for Dale Township, measured bins for Cottonwood County, was a substitute mail carrier, worked at Toro and eventually became the honored farmhand for Mike and Martin Simon. He was a faithful member and leader at Trinity Lutheran church where he served as a board member, usher, and anything else that was needed. Earl loved his country and served in the National Guard.
As a cherished husband, father, grandpa, uncle, friend and man, Earl was loved and respected throughout the community. His endearing traits included his kindness, wisdom, quiet presence, love, and humor – always having a joyful demeanor and ready joke for anyone he encountered. He had the unique ability to share jokes in the hope it would bring a smile to others. He enjoyed family times at their home, which was considered the gathering place for many holidays and celebrations. He enjoyed playing card games such as golf and 500, making ‘grandpa’s famous waffles,’ bird watching, listening, and dancing to polka music, fishing, and camping. We take comfort in knowing that Earl is now in the presence of the Lord rejoicing in eternal life.
Earl is survived by his wife, Vonette Crowell; four children: Lesi Pickrell of Fort Worth, TX, Sheila (Mark) Bender of Lansing, MI, Michael (Becky) Crowell of St. Cloud, MN, and Steven (Laura) Crowell of Magnolia, AR; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Ariel Pickrell of Trophy Club, TX, Dara (Drew) Stringer of Fort Worth, TX, Samantha Henderson of Lansing, MI, Kaitlyn and Juan Crowell-Serna of Bloomington, MN, Annika (Connor) Tanhoff with great grandchild Millie Tanhoff of Mankato, MN, Evan Crowell of St. Cloud, MN, Loman Crowell of Fountain Valley, CA with great grandchild Ryder Crowell of Garland,TX, Olivia Crowell of College Station, TX, Charlee Crowell, and Scarlett Crowell of Magnolia, AR; sister-in-law, Julie Crowell of Windom, MN; brother-in-law, Gary Mather of Eagan, MN and several other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln and Blanch Crowell; daughter, Sherilyn Crowell; granddaughter, Emily Henderson; brothers, Paul Crowell and Leon Crowell; sister, Etta Mather; brothers-in-law, Rick Musegades and Kent Musegades; sisters-in-law, Sharon Musegades, Nancy Musegades, and Donna Crowell; father-in-law, Fremon Musegades and mother-in-law, Vera Musegades.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Condolences and memories of Earl may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
