On Monday, March 26, 2018, Allen W. Ornell, 90, of Duluth, passed away at Solvay Hospice House. Because of his decision to trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he is now in heaven.

He was born August 8, 1927, in Duluth, son of Carl and Hazel (Bartling) Ornell.

During WWII, Allen served his country with the U. S. Navy.

Allen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a business major.

His accounting work history included U.S. Steel and the City of Duluth.

On February 28, 1948, Allen W. Ornell and Gwendolyn A. Grandchamp were united in marriage.  Allen and Gwen just celebrated their 70 ^th wedding anniversary last month.

For over 50 years, Allen faithfully served in the Fond du Lac Community Church -  now Mission Creek Church.

Because of his love for God's word, he also will be remembered for his committed service to Gideons International…on the state and local levels.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Carl and Hazel Ornell.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen; children, Alana (Ben) Velasquez, Amarillo, TX, Tom (Carol) Ornell, Duluth, MN, Denise "Dede" (Larry) Johnson, Wrenshall, MN, Jim (Bev) Ornell, Blaine, MN, and Jayne (Joel) Conley, Wrenshall, MN; 17 grandchildren, David (Sarah) Richards, Kelly Richards, Jeff (Beth) Ornell, Amy (Eric) Kalmes, Stacy (Tim) Nelson, Tom Johnson, Chris (Janelle) Johnson, Chad (Sarah) Johnson, Nathan (Erin) Johnson, Carrie (Dustin) Nelson, Ben (Kaitlin) Johnson, Tim (Michelle) Ornell, Emily (Levi) Secord, Allie (Jake) Abbatacola, Daniel Conley, Laurie Conley and David Conley; 29 great-grandchildren, plus one on-the-way; sister, Marilyn Sundland, Mesquite, TX, and her family; and other nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at Mission Creek Church, 521 131 ^st Avenue West, Duluth, and will resume at 10 until the 11 a.m. Celebration of Life, at the church.  Pastor Chad Johnson, one of Allen's grandsons, will officiate.

Immediately following the service, military honors will be accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard, outside the church.

Pallbearers will be the ten grandsons.

Burial will be at the St. John's Cemetery, Wrenshall.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Gideons International.

The family wishes to thank Essentia Health Cancer Team, Essentia Health Home Hospice and Solvay Hospice House staff, for their excellent care and loving kindness.