Allen "Al" B. Cannon

ALLEN BRUCE CANNON October 28, 1952 - May 14, 2015 Allen Bruce Cannon, age 62 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Elk River, MN, passed into eternal life peacefully; but unexpectedly, at his home on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Al was born on October 28, 1952 in Austin, MN to Lynne and Venita (Meyers) Cannon. As a small boy he moved with his family to Pine City where he attended public school through the 11th grade. In 1969 his family moved to a farm in Cresco, Iowa where Al graduated with the Class of 1970. Al enjoyed growing up on his parent's farm and helped out where ever he could. He was very active in 4-H and also enjoyed being a member of the high school wrestling team. He joined the United States Army in 1970 where he served in the United States Army as a tank Gunner until receiving his honorable discharge in 1974. He returned to Minnesota where he settled in the Twin Cities area and worked as a maintenance supervisor. On June 14, 1975, Al was united in marriage to Kathi Eberlien in Mpls. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Erin, Sara and Amanda. The young family made their home in Coon Rapids for many years until moving to Elk River in 1996. Al and Kathi moved to Park Rapids in 2004. After completing a 33 year career with Mission, Inc., of Plymouth, MN as a maintenance Supervisor, Al retired in October of 2014. Al loved the outdoors and was looking forward to filling his retirement years with the great hunting and fishing that was in his own backyard. He also enjoyed woodworking and had made many cribbage boards and decorative projects of all types. He was a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post # 212 in Park Rapids. Al loved to sing Karaoke with his family and friends. Above all, he devoted his life to his wife, daughters and grand daughters who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Kathi of Park Rapids; his three daughters: Erin Cannon of Champlin, MN, Sara (Geoff Dries) of Otsego, MN and Amanda Cannon of Coon Rapids; his three precious grand daughters: Brittany, Sophia and Guiliana; his brother, Delbert (Mary) Cannon of Park Rapids; his four sisters: Linda Roberds of Park Rapids, Janet (John) Zentz of Park Rapids; Helen (Dale) Wing of Rockport, TX and Teri (Dave Lindblom) O'Brien of Big Lake, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces: Jill and Heather. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Reverend Dave Dwyer officiating. Alex Zieman will provide the special music. The casket bearers will be: Chris Cannon, Riley Cannon, Geoff Dries, Dale Wing, Ken Lamey, Al Belt, Brad Hase and Dave Lindblom. The Star of the North Marine Corps League will provide full military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Monday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and on Tuesday beginning one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held at the home of Al's sister, Jan Zentz immediately following the service. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.