Eugene V. Purcell

Eugene Vincent Purcell, 84, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017, in his home.   Eugene Vincent Purcell was born on April 8, 1933 in Wheatfield Township, North Dakota, the son of Edward Sr. and Bertha (Sebe) Purcell.  He was raised in Wheatfield Township, North Dakota and attended country school and graduated from high school at Larimore, North Dakota.  He entered the army on April 6, 1953 operating drag lines in the 323rd Engineering Light Equipment Co during the Korean war.  He was honorably discharged on April 4, 1955, then becoming a farmer.  After his brother Laurence retired from farming, he moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota and worked at the University of North Dakota in the Buildings & Grounds Department.  After retirement from UND, he moved back to the farm to help his brother with the farmstead.   Eugene loved the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and he never missed a game.  He was very passionate about farming his land, and the land his father and brothers farmed, and was very meticulous in taking care of the farmstead.  He loved seeing his nephews and nieces and their children.  He lived a good, hardworking, honest life.   Eugene is survived by his brother James of Grand Forks, ND, sister Beatrice Grodahl of Hemet, CA, and brother-in-law Willie Wilhalm of San Jose, CA, and many nephews and nieces.  Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edward and Laurence, and sisters Elsie, Ruth, Mildred, Esther, and Eleanor.  Private services will be held.