Elwin (“Al”) Evinrude
Elwin (“Al”) Evinrude, 95, died Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, NC. Another memorial service will be held later in the spring in Manitowish Waters, WI.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Milly); three sons Alan Evinrude(Chris) of Menomonee Falls, WI, Dennis Evinrude(Cindy) of Nashotah, WI, and Karl Evinrude(Lisa) of Port Orchard, WA; a daughter Kristi Evinrude of Milwaukee, WI; two step-sons Ray Clatworthy(Judy) of Dover, DE and Jay Clatworthy(Sarah) of Pinehurst, NC; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, his first wife of 25 years Betty Evinrude(nee Mehl) and a great-grandson.
Born May 15, 1914 to the late Anton and Marit(nee Larson) Evinrude in Deer Creek, Montana, he gained strength for life as a cowboy. He moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1936 and put himself through 13 years of night school to become an engineer while employed at Evinrude Motors, GE X-ray, American Motors and, ultimately, Simplicity Manufacturing as the Chief Tool and Die Engineer after 27 years. In 1955 he was instrumental in bringing to market the Simplicity Wonder Boy, widely considered to be the first integrated riding lawn mower sold in the United States.
He and Milly moved to Pinehurst in 2005. He loved God, his church and his family. Milly said “He was always happy and was the perfect husband.”
Al loved to tell his life history as he was proud of rising out of rank poverty and creating a comfortable life for himself and his family. In his retirement he and Mildred traveled to many far off lands. He took particular pleasure in reconnecting with his Mother’s family in Norway. Elwin was one of those people to whom strangers were nothing more than friends he had yet to make. He taught his children to smile, look someone in the eye and stick out your hand for a “hearty” handshake. That smile, along with his sense of humor, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1538 71st School Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314.
Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is assisting the family.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Al’s faith inspires me to this day. I remember his words when facing surgery…”It’s a win-win situation.” The victory is yours, Al! God bless the family with his abiding and comforting love.
February 27th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Chris, Al and Family,
Annette and I wish to express our condolences to you regarding the loss of Elwin. Our prayers go out to you all.
God bless all of you,
Annette and Mark
March 1st, 2010 at 12:50 pm
To Milly and Family,
Having been fortunate enough to have been Al’s friend for twenty-five years, I can assure you that I am deeply saddened and will feel a great void for many years to come.
Milly, please know how very special you are too and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
I have many fond memories from my visits to Manitowish Waters, to the time and your stay in San Antonio where “fajitas” became a passion with Al, to the many Christmas photos exchanged throughout the years.
Al offered his welcoming hand to so many people that the word “stranger” simply was not part of his vocabulary.
I feel very fortunate to have been one of so many people within this great world of ours that was blessed with having crossed paths with such a thoughtful and enjoyable person as Al Evinrude. God Bless him!
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Millie – my sincere sympathy to you. You and Al were among the first people I remember from when we joined the ski club. You were both so welcoming and we both treasured your friendship. He was so hospitable when the large group from the club descended on his home for one of the great potlucks, and everywhere we would see him in the great northwoods, he was always great company, good fun and truly young in heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Dear Millie,
We have such fond memories of you and Al at Zion in Mercer. Suzi and Jesse well remember you as their first Sunday School teacher and we all remember Al’s tales of his cowboy life! Such blessings memories are! We look forward to our reunion in Heaven.
A memorial in Al’s name has been given Zion in Mercer.
Blessings!
Gary, Debra, Suzi & Jesse
March 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Millie, my thoughts are with you and your family at these times. I know Bob and Al are having some great conversations.
Please let us know when the memorial service will be held in Manitowish Waters.
March 5th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Millie, my thoughts are with you and your family during these times. I know Bob and Al are having some great conversations.
Please let us know when the memorial service will be held in Manitowish Waters.