Earl Conway Overlee

Earl Overlee, 79, a loving husband, admirable father, and adored grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on September 13, 2025, to be reunited with his wife, Janet, whom he missed dearly for the past 10 months.

Earl was born on October 21, 1945, in Badger, MN, to Conrad and Elma. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janet, in kindergarten. The two were later married on September 23, 1972, in Minneapolis, MN.

Earl was an army veteran, including active duty serving in the Vietnam War, and after his return, he became the project superintendent for a major bridge construction company, which took him all across the United States. However, weary of the road life, he seized the opportunity to buy a resort near Grand Rapids, where he and Janet ran the business for over 20 years. This allowed him to be home with family while bringing joy and comfort to their many guests. During the resort's off-season, Earl also drove a school bus for many years, becoming a familiar and cherished figure to countless children throughout the school district.

Earl loved going on trips with Janet, they visited Niagara Falls, Hawaii, Alaska and every point in between. He found joy in fishing year-round and took great pride in faithfully feeding his birds.

Earl was known for his signature handlebar mustache, his joyful whistle, and his ability to be a jack-of-all-trades. But his smile truly shone brightest when he watched his grandchildren achieve milestones in school and sports.

Earl was preceded in death by his treasured wife of 52 years, Janet, in November 2024, and was last of six siblings. He is survived by his two loving children: David (Deb) Overlee of Cohasset and Nikki (Todd) LaPlant of Grand Rapids. His pride and joy were his cherished grandchildren: Emma (Blake), Erik, Jake, Kelsi, Drew (Megan), Braya, and Colby, as well as his three beloved great-grandchildren: Averi, Sadie, and Henry. Earl is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He leaves behind a community of family members, friends, and acquaintances who were touched by his generosity and kindness.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MN, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Deacon Steve Schuler will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.