Eldon "Frenchy" Powell

Memorial service for Eldon Leroy “Frenchy” Powell, 91, of Aurora will be 10am Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes with Pastor Brendan Johnston officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery in Cottonwood, MN at a later date. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Eldon died on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Fitzgerald Nursing Home in Eveleth. He was born on August 5, 1924 to James and Lola (Wilde) Powell in Parkers Prairie, MN. He grew up and attended school in Rush City, graduating from the Rush City High School, Class of 1943. Following school, Eldon entered the Army Air Corp, serving during WWII. Eldon was a talented musician, and toured with the USO playing guitar with the Union County (Alabama) Ramblers. They could be heard over the Armed Forces Radio. Eldon was united in marriage to Edna Johnson on February 15, 1947. The couple ran a farm in Harris, MN. Eldon was also employed by Federal Arms in Minneapolis during that time. The couple moved to the Iron Range on June 19, 1954, as Eldon was employed by Erie Mining. In 1973 Eldon retired as an accountant from Erie Mining. He enjoyed restoring Model A Fords and the relationships he formed with this hobby. He played in many local bands and was a member of the musicians union in Virginia. Survivors include his children: Larry (Amy) Powell of Aurora; Linda (Ronald) Hill of Savannah, IL, Lorna (John) Fondurulia of Hoyt Lakes, Loris Powell of Aurora, Lloyd (Suzanne) Powell of Duluth, and Laird Powell of Aurora; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; two special nephews: Leroy (Laverne) Nelson and Jeffrey (Kathy) Nelson and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna (2013); a sister: Norma Nelson; brother-in-law: Clayton Nelson; daughter-in-law: Diane Powell; and his parents: James and Lola Powell.