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Earl Alexander of Backus, MN, passed away from bone cancer at his home, surrounded by his children, on October 24, 2019-two days after his 90th birthday and on the eve of his 70th wedding anniversary with his recently departed bride, Connie Alexander.

He was born the fifth of six boys on October 22, 1929, in Fifty Lakes, MN, to Virgil Joe Alexander, Sr., and Gertrude "Gertie" Hoffman. At the young age of 14, after his mother passed away, Earl struck out on his own. He traveled West as far as the orchards in Washington State and spent a few years exploring and learning different trades. Eventually, he returned to Minnesota with his hotrod, and at age 20, he met and married the love of his life, Connie Bundy, age 16. Connie's parents took in the wayfaring Earl and loved him as their own. Earl always credited Connie's father, Clyde, with setting him on the right path. Earl and Connie would have three sons together, Marcus, Robin, and Brian, and Earl passed on his love of cars, heavy machinery, and "mechanic-ing" to them. Earl and Connie also had two daughters, Merry and Kathy, who adored their daddy and grew up with the knowledge that their dad was a hero. Earl was very proud of his children, and especially his grandchildren, and they always loved to make Earl proud.

Earl was known for his work ethic, integrity, compassion, humor, and his friendliness. He never met a stranger. Earl's father was a logger, and Earl shared the family profession with his sons. Earl was an outdoor enthusiast and had many hobbies: making knife and axe handles from both wood and deer antlers, hunting with his best friend, Lyle Gehrke, and later his children and grandchildren, watching wildlife, reading wildlife magazines, collecting guns, and traveling with his wife. Earl served his church, Backus Nazarene, in many capacities over the years: board of trustees, building & grounds committee, ushering, service to the community, and furnace keeping for the church building.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Virgil Alexander, Jr., Louis Alexander, Peter Alexander, Sr., Roy Alexander, Glen Alexander; his sons: Robin Alexander and Brian Alexander; and most recently his sweetheart and bride of 69 years, Constance Alexander (Bundy). Surviving family members include children Marcus Alexander (Kristy) of Littleton, CO, Kathy Cox (Phil) of Bemidji, MN, and Merry Alexander (Larry Kipf) of Forsyth, MT; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be 2 pm on Saturday, June 12, at Church of the Nazarene, Backus. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.[[In-content Ad]]

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