Alfred passed away Monday, April 4, 2011, at the Golden Living Center in Ipswich.

Alfred Ell was born Jan. 14, 1922, in Linton, N.D., to Mathias and Helen (Bosch) Ell, where he farmed and received his education. He went into the U.S. Army on Dec. 7, 1942, a year after WWII began. He served in the 103rd Infantry Division for his training then transferred to the 349th Infantry Regiment of the 88th Infantry Division, known as "The Blue Devils." Alfred went overseas in 1943 and landed in North Africa on Christmas Eve. He traveled through Sicily into Italy. He fought as a scout and a sharpshooter in eight major battles and received three Purple Hearts as well as the Good Conduct, WWII Victory, the Mediterranean Campaign and the American Campaign medals. He also earned a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. In August 1945, Alfred received his honorable discharge from the Army.

Alfred married Pauline Mary Mathern on Sept. 3rd, 1945, in Aberdeen, where they made their home and raised their family. Alfred worked for the Milwaukee Railroad 36 years until he retired.

Alfred was an avid hunter, fisherman and an award-winning bowler. He loved entertaining with stories and jokes. He enjoyed gardening and spent many hours In Aberdeen's community gardens. He donated his pumpkins and gourds to St. Mary's Church every fall for Fall Harvest, and earned many awards for his vegetables at the Brown County Fair. His homemade pickles were a family favorite.

He was a member for more than 60 years of St. Mary's Church. Alfred belonged to the Moose, Elks, Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Awaiting him in Heaven are his parents; three brothers: Simon, Jake and John; and eight sisters: Clara (Werlinger), Katherine (Vetter), Lizabeth (Bosch), Caroline (Bosch), Lenora (Bosch), Phyllis (Wentz), Marcella (Kelsch) and Helen Ell.

(Excerpt from The Aberdeen American News (South Dakota) - Friday, April 8, 2011)