Even, Joseph - 1895-1981

EVEN, SAUER

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/25/2011 at 11:29:48

Alton Democrat, September 17, 1981

J. T. "Matty" Even, 86, of Alton passed away Sept. 15 at his home after a long illness.

Joseph Theodore Even was born June 6, 1895, at Humboldt, SD. On Nov. 3, 1925, he married Blanche Agnes Sauer at Alton. Mr. Even was originally in the plumbing business at Alton. He later became involved in the petroleum business, and in 1947 established the Even Motor Company at Alton. "Matty" retired in the late 1960's.

Mr. Even was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Alton and its Rosary Society; also the Granville Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a 60 year charter member of Floyd Post 200 of the American Letion and a 51 year member of the Alton Fire Department, serving as chief for 38 years.

"Matty" was active in the Alton City Baseball Program, and had been recognized by the Siouxland Baseball Old Timers. He was a charter member of the Alton Rotary Club and a former member of the Alton Chamber of Commerce and the Iowa and National Automobile Dealers Association.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Joseph T. Jr. "Jay" and Michael, both of Alton, Jack of Lamar, Colo, and Jim of Medina, Ohio; two daughters, Mary of Sioux City and Mrs. Jeff (Carol) Halstrom of Paullina; 31 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Ray (Georgia) Sudtelgte and Mrs. Cliff (Frances) Meylor, both of LeMars.

Mr. Even was preceded in death by a son, Tom, in 1977.

Funeral services were held Sept. 17 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, and the Rev. Fr. David Hogan officiating. Interment followed at the parish cemetery, under the direction of the Van Etten-Oolman Funeral Home of Orange City.