Erwin Townsend

Funeral Services for A. E. "Ole" Townsend, age 83, of Graceville, will be on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Chapel in Graceville, MN. Pastor Richard Larson will be officiating. Visitation will be at the chapel Wednesday evening, June 6, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM prayer service. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Graceville Consolidated Cemetery.

A. Erwin "Ole" Townsend was born on November 8, 1928 on a farm in Toqua Township, northwest of Graceville, Minnesota, to Albert Earl and Cora (Munger) Townsend, number nine of 11 children. In 1935, the family moved to a farm south of Graceville. He attended school until his father died and his brother entered the armed services, at which time he stayed home to farm. Ole was a farmer at heart and farmed his entire life. He rented out bulls, and raised pigs, beef cattle, and horses. Ole also worked as a hired hand for Doug Nelson for many years. He was a member of the Big Stone Power Machinery Club.

Ole attended many auctions and always said it was the last bid that counted! Ole collected full sized and scale model toy antique tractors and cars and had over 70 in his collection. Many hours were spent water skiing in the late 50s to early 60s, and he enjoyed teaching others how to ski. Ole hunted deer and he was also fond of motorcycles. Every morning you could find him at the Corner Cafe sharing coffee with his friends and getting the latest news. In February 2011, he became a resident of Grace Home and enjoyed his stay there, playing bingo, cards, and visiting. Ole was known for his sense of humor and never lost it, even to the end.

Ole peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012, in Fargo, ND, having reached the age of 83 years.

Cherishing his memory is his family, which includes his sisters: Gladys (Marvin) Howen of Ortonville, Alice Hansen of Hutchinson, MN, Carolyn Pansch of Graceville, and Ruth (Doran) Nagel of Ortonville; his Godchild, Michelle Giese, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ole was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David and James; and his sisters: Stella Cardoz, Mary Townsend, Edith Kittelson, and Olive Weeks.