Greg "Squirrel" Earl, 52, of Turtle River, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale.
He was born Jan. 23, 1956 in Albert Lea to Gerald and Deanne (Prosser) Earl. He attended school and graduated from Albert Lea High School. He then moved to Bemidji and attended Bemidji State University. Shortly after moving to Bemidji he started working at and managing Silver Springs in Walker Bay and the Storm Shelter in Laporte. He later bought the Donat Hole, which he renamed the Squirrel's Nest in Hungry Hollow. He also was a partner in owning the Bemidji Speedway for a couple of years. About 10 years ago he bought the 71 Bar in Turtle River and operated both bars for a year before moving to Turtle River to run just the 71 Bar. He sold the Squirrel's Nest. He owned and operated the bar for several years before selling it and building the Liquor Lodge with others. He then re-purchased the 71 Bar and had run it since then.
He is survived by a son, Brandon (Heidi Eck), of Bemidji; a daughter, Michaela Holmgren, of Bemidji; his father, Gerald, of Westbrook; a sister, Julie (Randy) Vandewiele, of Windom; and a brother, Steve (Carmel), of Blair, Neb.
He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.
Memorial service: Monday, Dec. 15 at Bemidji State University gymnasium - John Glas Field House in Bemidji. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
