Harold HJ J. Burrell, 85, Thief River Falls, MN, beloved husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away Friday, April 15, 2005 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN with his family at his side.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at United Methodist Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Reverend Philip J. Schmidt officiating. Burial will be at Zion Cemetery, Oklee, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday.

Harold James Burrell was born June 27, 1919 at Thief River Falls, MN, the son of James A. and Fannie (Dostal) Burrell. He was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian-Methodist Church, Thief River Falls. He grew up and attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1938. He worked for Dennis Wegge at the Standard Oil Bulk Station after completion of High School.

He entered the United States Army, May 1, 1942, serving in the European Theater of war, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the largest convoy ever to do so. Ten days later his convoy landed in Glasgow, Scotland. Upon completion of training, he was among the 3rd wave to land on Omaha Beach, serving under General George Patton in 3 different armies. He fought in 5 major battles, one of which was the battle of the Bulge. He went through France, Luxembourg, St. Lo, Rhineland, Ardennes and into Berlin, Germany.

After serving in WW II for 3 ½ years, he returned to Thief River Falls and worked for Popplers Furniture Store. He then owned and operated the Luxury Ice Cream Store in Thief River Falls. Following that, he worked for the State of Minnesota as an auditor with the Petroleum Division for 32 years. Along with his brother, Mel, he co-owned Mels Appliance Store in Thief River Falls.

On October, 10, 1946, Harold was united in marriage to Donna ONeill at the ONeill farm.

Harold was a lifetime member of United Methodist Church, Thief River Falls, a member of American Legion, VFW, Thief River Falls Junior Chamber of Commerce, UCT of America and a 50 year member of the Elks. He loved his lake home, fishing and was an avid bird watcher in the backyard and could tell you the names of each bird that was at his bird feeders. His biggest joy was being around his grandchildren and attending their many sporting events throughout the years. You could always find him in front of the TV anytime the Vikings played from the time the team was established. After retiring you could find him fixing or repairing most anything.

Survived by wife, Donna, Thief River Falls, MN; a son, Dr. James Burrell and wife, Mary, Grand Forks, ND and a daughter, Peggy Kristjanson and husband, Ken, Lolo, MT; 3 grandchildren, Rebecca Burrell, Aberdeen, SD, Paul Burrell, Omaha, NE and Emily Burrell, St. Cloud, MN; 2 step-grandchildren, Jamie Parker, Bozeman, MT and Justin Kristjanson, Belgrade, MT; 2 step great-grandchildren, Fallon and Zachry; a brother, Melford Burrell, Thief River Falls, MN; also several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, one brother and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to: First Care Hospice, Thief River Falls and the United Methodist Church, Thief River Falls.