Earl F. Cole

Earl F. Cole, 72, of Sioux City died Sunday, March 11, 2007, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Renee Spalding of Morningside Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Earl was born May 18, 1934, in Crossville, Tenn., the son of Conda and Nora (Weaver) Cole. He grew up in Tennessee and joined the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. He came to Sioux City after serving in the Army.

He was married to Frances Cross for many years and they later were divorced. He was a carpenter and worked for several construction companies including Chris Hansen and Terry Bernhardt Construction.

He was a member of the Carpenters Union 427. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs and the University of Tennessee. He coached youth baseball and girls softball. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing pool and cribbage.

Survivors include two sons and their wives, Eric and Cathy Cole of Ashland, Neb., and Tim and Michelle Cole of Topeka, Kan.; his companion, Pat Jorgensen and her grandson, Joshua Jorgensen; a brother, Glenn; four sisters, Susie, Mildred, Carolyn and Hallie; and five grandchildren, Trevor, Brandon, Seth, Victoria and Nicholas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Alvin, Ernest, Kermit and Donald.

Pallbearers will be Dale Jorgensen, Pete Jorgensen, Dick Jahnke, Dennis Onwiler, Trevor Cole and Brandon Cole.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.