Earl Dean J. Von Bank, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Earl Dean Joseph Von Bank was born Jan. 4, 1941, on a farm near Armstrong, Iowa, to Albert and Gertrude (Grabianowski) Von Bank. He graduated from Armstrong High School, where he played baseball, football and received the honor of All State in football in 1959. He went on to earn a football scholarship to Estherville Junior College and then served in the U.S. Army. Earl married Elizabeth Askeland on June 23, 1971, at the Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and together they raised four children. Earl lived in Armstrong from 1941 to 1977 and then moved to Austin. He managed several grain elevators both in Iowa and Minnesota.

He enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, attending auctions and collecting toy tractors. He loved listening to polka music, watching the Timberwolves and Twins and was a die-hard Vikings fan. Earl was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church since 1977. His faith was a very important part of his life – he knew the Lord and he knew where he was going.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gertrude; two brothers, Stephen and Donald; and brother-in-law, Jack Reece.

Earl is survived by his children, Joe (Deb) Von Bank, San Clemente, California, Julie (Steve) White, Breezy Point, Minnesota, Heidi (Scott) Brophy, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and Lynn (Mark) Earl, Rochester, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Corey Von Bank, Bonnie (Harold Terrault) Von Bank, Taylor (Joe) Grupa, Katie White, Jack White, Ellie Brophy, Lydia Brophy, Brylee Earl and Addison Earl; sister, Darlene Reece, Ledyard, Iowa; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Olmsted officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery with Austin American Legion Post 91 in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Thanks and appreciation to the staff at Sacred Heart Care Center and the Mayo Clinic for their kindness and care.

Memorials may be designated to Westminster Presbyterian Church Missions, 802 Fourth St. SW, Austin, MN 55912.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.