Michael Dean Bell, 68, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

Michael was born on Nov. 7, 1950, in Austin, to Donald and Jeanette (Ingvalson) Bell. He graduated from Austin High School in 1968. He then went on to attend Austin Technical College for Carpentry, Farm Mechanic, and Auto Body. On July 14, 1970, Michael enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 16, 1972. Following his honorable discharge, Michael married Cheryl Solberg on July 1, 1972, in Austin. Together the couple raised two children, Shannon and Tony. He worked for 10 years at the State Highway Department and was a farmer for many years. Michael was a hard-working man who loved to help everyone, and you could always catch him with a smile on his face. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, golfing, carpentry, and especially spending time with his grandkids. Michael was well loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his children, Shannon (Scott) Norman of Cologne, Minnesota, and Tony (Samantha Eslinger) Bell of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; grandchildren, Morgan Norman, Alex Norman, Ethan Beauseigneur and Eleanor Bell; brother, Bill (Janice) Bell of Austin; sister, Sue (Bob) Schmidt of Albert Lea, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Steve (Janelle) Solberg of Brainerd, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Diane (Tom) Arends of Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jeanette Bell; wife, Cheryl Bell, in 2016; brother, Dave Bell; and sister, Mary Bates.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.