Wesley Lawrence Eral, 81, of Fonda, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Wes was born on December 9, 1942, in Pocahontas, Iowa. He was the youngest son of Wesley L. and Helen (Baker) Eral.

Wes attended Pocahontas Catholic School in Pocahontas where he graduated in 1961. He then attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville. He graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. Wes enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963. He was a Sergeant, Military Aircraft Mechanic and got to travel all over the world. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1967. Wes attended Mankato State University in Mankato, MN. He graduated with a BS Degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology in 1976. Wes then moved to Fairmont, MN and worked as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He later worked as a Director/Counselor for Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers in Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, and Idaho. Wes was also honored to work with former Iowa Governor Harold Hughes (Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center) as a Director in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Wes embarked on a career of helping those find sobriety which formed many lasting friendships. Wes retired in 1993 and the family moved to Fonda, Iowa, in 1996 to be closer to relatives.

While working in Fairmont, MN, Wes met his soulmate Diane (Hagberg) Eral. They married on November 26, 1978, at Bricelyn Lutheran Church in Bricelyn, MN. Together they built a family and a life filled with love and laughter. He was a devoted father to their children Michael, Nicole, and Kelly.

Wes was an advocate of the second amendment and enjoyed target shooting. He never passed up a garage sale. He loved talking politics and solving the world's problems with his friends and family. He loved to spend time in his garage working on projects, building, and inventing things all the time. Most of all, Wes loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Wes always said his greatest joy was being a dad and a grandpa.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley L. and Helen Eral; his brothers, James Eral, Deland Eral, and Leland Eral; granddaughter, Ryleigh Ann Moore; grandson, Trent Brown, and father-in-law, Gary Hagberg.

Wes is survived by his loving wife, Diane, of 45 years; their children, Michael (Christy) Eral, Nicole (Bryan) Brown, and Kelly (Kevin) Moore; grandchildren, Chloe Eral, Peytin Eral, MacAlister Eral, and Charles Eral; sisters-in-law, Gayle Eral and Kay Eral; brothers-in-law, Lynn Hagberg and Joel Hagberg; mother-in-law, Barb Hagberg, along with many nieces and nephews.

Wes's warmth, wisdom, and the joy he brought to life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a life well-lived and legacy that will continue to inspire.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life which will be held at Powers Funeral Home, 502 4th Ave. NE, Pocahontas, IA 50574, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 1pm – 4pm. We would love for you to join us to share your stories and favorite memories of Wes.