Memorial services for John F. Ell of Albert Lea will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Grace Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. The Rev. Todd Walsh will officiate. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea area veterans groups.

John died peacefully, Saturday, April 28, 2012, at his home in Albert Lea. He was 65 years of age.

John was born June 12, 1946, in Albert Lea, the son of Milvern (Monte) and Agnes (Wangen) Ell. He was a 1964 graduate of Albert Lea High School. He served his country in the U.S. Marines from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War. On July 24, 1971, he was united in marriage to Gloria Balfe at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

John was a lifelong resident of Albert Lea where he owned and operated General Trading (Car Quest) for many years. He also had worked at Streater for over 15 years. He was an avid pontooner/fisherman and a diehard Minnesota Twins fan. He often attended his children’s and grandkid’s sporting events. After retiring he enjoyed renovating homes. John absolutely loved Borden Lake, Sanibel Island, Fla., or any place close to water. He loved family grill outs, his dog Charlie and Louis Armstrong music. Dixieland music was always being played. (He even thought of going pro as a trumpet player.) John was a jack of all trades and mastered most! He enjoyed the company of the neighbors, especially Boyd, Janet and the boys.

John is survived by his wife Gloria of Albert Lea; children: Julie (Julian Abrego) Ell of Edina and Mike (Sara) Ell of New Market; grandchildren include: Jessica Abrego, Gina Abrego and Casey Ell; one brother also survives, George Ell of Albert Lea.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brother Paul Ell.