Earl James Towne

Funeral services for Earl James Towne, age 90, of Emmons, will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, June 1, 2015, at the Emmons Lutheran Church. The Rev. Christopher Martin will officiate. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the American Legion Color Guard. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Earl died on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Community.
Earl James Towne was born on April 16, 1925 in Twin Lakes, the son of Harry and Jesse (Penrod) Towne. He grew up in Twin Lakes and went to District 45 Country School there. After his schooling, Earl joined the U. S. Army where he served in Greenland during and just after WWII. On August 25, 1967 Earl was united in marriage to Dorothy Sorbo Hovland at Lunder Lutheran Church.  Earl worked both as a farmer and as a mailman for the United States Postal Service. He was a member of the Emmons Lutheran Church, the Eagles, and the Emmons American Legion. He enjoyed collecting coins, fishing, and going on bus trips. Mostly, Earl loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was also a history buff and a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy, children Jacqueline (Richard) Waite, Judy (Kirk) Burgett, and Joanne (Todd) Brackey; grandchildren Chad (Shannon) Waite, Jill Waite, Jarvis (Dawn) Burgett, Jacob (fiancée Alisha) Burgett, Brandon (fiancée Erin) Brackey, Katie (Derek) Lenz, and Jenna (Matt) Hauan; many great-grandchildren, sister-in-law RuBelle Towne; and many nieces and nephews.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Howard, Lloyd, Glen, Marvin, and Wallace (MaDonna); and his sisters Lauretta (Tony) Gavle, Vern (Don) Peterson, and Violet (Bob) Peterson.