Allen Leroy Cottrell

Allen L. Cottrell, 84, died Wednesday, March 17^th, 2021 at River Pointe Assisted Living, Moorhead Minnesota.

Allen LeRoy Cottrell was the oldest of 12 children. He was born on May 28^th, 1936 in Wadena, Mn to Charles Francis (Frank) and Hazel (Kempton) Cottrell. He spent much of his young life in a logging camp North of Isabella where he developed his deep appreciation of the woods, waters and wildlife of Northern Minnesota.

Al moved with his parents and growing group of siblings to the Wadena area. He graduated from Verndale High School and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Goddard just two short years later. They made their home in Moorhead where Allen used his skills as a mechanic, builder and salesman to help support their family. Al worked days and Pat worked nights as a phone operator, both alternating sleep, work, and care for their two young children.

He was a magnet to babies, children, animals of all types and people who needed a good listening to.   His love of games, both common and invented, made him popular with his own kids and family but also with kids of all ages, even his dear friends at River Pointe.

Allen loved to snowmobile, fish, hunt, golf, camp, travel and spend as much time as possible at Turtle Lake with family and friends. He was always willing to help his sweetie in the kitchen, but grilling, taste testing and complimenting the chef were his specialties.

Allen was a dedicated member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. His faith and church family were central to his life. He will always be remembered for his smile, kind heart, making others feel special and his signature “great big hugs.”

Allen’s memory will continue to live on though his daughter Kim (Perry) Bushaw, Hawley and son, Mark (Pam) Cottrell, Dilworth. Grandchildren Andrew (Jamie Holding Eagle) Bushaw, Moorhead, Mallory (Andy) Gregor, Wahpeton, Brandi Juntunen, Dilworth, Melissa Beauchamp, Nevada and 11 great-grandchildren.  Siblings (all Minnesota unless noted)  Allenor Goddard, Gene (Judy) Cottrell, Jane Holt, Kansas, Norman (Sandra) Cottrell, Carolyn (David) Moyer, Dennis (Carol) Cottrell, MaryEllen (Ted) Derby, Steven (Jeri) Cottrell, Scott Cottrell, Brad (Sandie) Cottrell, Clesson (Sharon) Cottrell and many amazing nieces and nephews.

The Family of Allen Cottrell gratefully acknowledges your many kind expressions of sympathy during this time of loss.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 23, 2021, from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M., followed by a private family service, at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. We strongly encourage people to watch a livestream of the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, due to COVID-19 restrictions.   There will be a graveside service open to the public at 2:00 P.M. at Greenlawn Cemetery in Verndale, MN.