Ephraim Evavold

Ephraim Melvin Evavold, formerly of rural Ashby, MN, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2009, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford, MN, at the age of 103.  The second of five children, Ephraim was born to Klaus and Annie (Lundberg) Evavold in Eagle Lake Township on April 8, 1906.  He attended country school, with his formal education ending when it became necessary for him to operate his father's farm.  His farming career began with horse-drawn equipment, and he deeply appreciated the availability of power machinery and electricity during his young adult years. He was united in marriage to Inez Steolyn Olson on June 10, 1934, at Vining Lutheran Church.  They made their home at Wood Lake Farm near Ashby, and enjoyed their summer home on Eagle Lake.  After their retirement they made Evansville their home for several years, then moved to a condo in Alexandria where they lived until 2000.  They spent one year at the Mill St. Residence in Fergus Falls, and in 2001 moved to the Good Shepherd campus in Rushford.  Ephraim enjoyed his assisted living apartment until he was 101, when he entered the Nursing Home.  Inez died in January of 2004. Ephraim was active in the West Otter Tail County Farm Bureau, and a member of their board of directors for several years.  He was a big supporter of the Republican party, and actively campaigned for candidates he believed would serve the area well.  He volunteered many hours during the construction of the first building at Faith Haven Bible Camp, and was an active member of the Lake Region Pioneer Thresher's Association until the age of 90.  He was a life-long member of Grue Church, and held offices on the church council. Travel played a big part in the Evavolds' retirement years.  They road-tripped through most of the states, and spent twenty-five winters in Texas, many of them in Johnson City.  Ephraim enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. Mr. Evavold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother Joseph; sisters Minnie Evavold, Lillian Saure, and Elvina Smith; step-sister Evenelle Evavold; and step-brother Rev. Lynn Luthard. He is survived by his three children:  Dale (Shary) Evavold of Rushford; Mary Anne (Charles) Stenslie of Tulsa, OK; and Sylvia (Bruce) Thom of Fargo.  He is also survived by six grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren:  Aaron (Michelle) Stenslie, Evan, Ryan and Matthew; Steve (Tara) Thom, Allie, Libby and Harrison; Brad (Kathy) Thom, Larissa and William; Carmen (David) Kopp, Jacob and Piper; Robin (Mike) Honken, Jordan, Brendon and Lauren; and Grant (Jenni) Evavold, Alesi and Hannah.  Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Grue Lutheran Church, rural Ashby, with Reverend Carol Olson officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.  Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the Grue Lutheran Church Building Fund, or to the Good Shepherd Foundation c/o Good Shepherd Lutheran Nursing Home, PO Box 747, Rushford, MN 55971. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com