Obit: Purnell, George W. (1897 - 1971)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Purnell, Williams, Hollenberg, Carey

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 2/04/1971

Purnell, George W. (29 January 1897 - 26 January 1971)

George W. Purnell, 73, Merrillan businessman, died January 26 in Neillsville, where he had been a hospital patient since November.

Mr. Purnell was born January 29, 1897, in Merrillan to George and Miriam (Williams) Purnell. He moved with his parents to Wisconsin Rapids in 1904 and was graduated from Lincoln High School there. He was a veteran of World War I, serving as an ensign in the navy.

Mr. Purnell was employed by the Kalman Steel Company of Milwaukee and was later transferred to its Chicago office. In 1932, he moved to Merrillan where he established his own business as a dealer in road machinery, giving special attention to municipal and township programs.

He was a charter member of the Davis-Porter American Legion Post, serving three years as commander and 11 years as adjutant. During World War II he served two terms as Jackson County Commander of the Legion; chairman of the county Red Cross; was on the ration board and chairman of the War Bond Drive. He served several years as chairman of the Trempealeau Valley Association of Commercial clubs and was instrumental in getting the Chicago & Northwestern railroad’s “400” to make regular stops in Merrillan.

Mr. Purnell married Margaret Hollenberg in 1926, who, with a daughter, Nancy, of New York City, survive him.

Funeral services were held last Saturday from the Merrillan United Methodist Church with the Calvin Carey officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Merrillan American Legion Post. Burial was made in the Fairchild Cemetery.