Steven “Steve” Dale Earl was born on Nov. 2, 1945, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Dale and Myrttus (Skattum) Earl. In his early childhood, from 1945 to 1950, he lived in Luverne where his parents owned and operated a local butcher shop. During the Korean War, his father was called to active duty, and the family lived in Alabama and Colorado.
At the age of nine, he experienced the profound loss of his mother, a moment that shaped his strength and resilience. As a young man, he lived in Germany, while his father was stationed there, attending school and actively participating in Boy Scouts and the National Junior Rifle Club.
At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career. He served two years in Korea and an additional four years in the Reserves before returning to Luverne in 1965. Upon his return, he worked at AR Woods. He met the woman who would become his wife, Gloria Aanenson, while enroute to the courthouse. They were united in marriage on Dec. 3, 1966. Following their marriage, he pursued barbering, attending barber school in Sioux Falls and Minneapolis. In 1968, the couple moved to Jackson, Minn., where he proudly opened Earl’s Barber Shop, becoming a familiar and trusted presence in the community. The couple relished getting together with the Skattum cousins for a good game of Buc Euchre.
In 1971, he reenlisted in the United States Army, continuing a remarkable military career that spanned a total of 26 years. He achieved the rank of E-8 Master Sergeant, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of service members. Throughout his service, he was stationed in Germany, New York, Alaska, Mississippi, Korea, and Louisiana, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his country. No matter where he was stationed, he made it a priority to return home each summer to Luverne, a place that always held his heart.
Steve and Gloria were blessed with two daughters, whom they cherished. Steve coached their t-ball and bowling teams, creating lasting memories and sharing his love of sports and life lessons with them.
The family enjoyed camping, grilling, traveling, bowling, and playing board games together. The family even drove and camped the Alcan Highway when it was little more than gravel and mud from Fort Wainwright, Ark., to Luverne, Minn., which was 3,200 miles long!
Beyond his military service, he was a man of many talents and passions. He was an exceptional bowler, competing in men’s and couples’ leagues as well as tournaments, and proudly maintaining a 200+ average. He was also an avid golfer and a skilled fast-pitch softball catcher.
His competitive spirit was matched by his signature phrase, “Never a doubt,” a reflection of his confidence and steady outlook. Steve enjoyed music and made many mix cassette tapes. Some of his favorite artists included Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and The Everly Brothers. After many years of marriage, Steve and Gloria divorced. Steve found great fulfillment in giving back, working at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne and connecting with those who shared similar experiences.
One of his favorite jobs in retirement was mowing at the Blue Mound State Park; a job he did with pride for eight years until his health wouldn’t allow him to continue.
Later in life, he found peace and contentment in the small things. Living at the Blue Mound Tower, he had all he needed to feel at home. Even when confined to a wheelchair, he continued to find joy in his surroundings like the smoking section, relaxing with a good drink, going to the grocery store, watering the flowers, and visiting with the many friends he made at the Blue Mound Tower. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to service, his love of family, and his ability to find happiness in life’s simplest moments. His life stands as a testament to resilience, service, and the belief that there was indeed, “never a doubt.”
He is survived by his daughters, Angela (Brad) Ahrendt of Luverne, Minn., and Jennifer (Andy) Yost of Pipestone, Minn.; grandchildren, Brooke (Tyler) Walgrave of Luverne, Minn., Cole (Kim) Walgrave of Kennebunk, Maine, Mace (Nate) Beyenhof of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Griffin Ahrendt of Tempe, Ariz., Greta Ahrendt of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Gannon Ahrendt of Luverne, Minn.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
