Benford Walter Evenson (1890-1951)

EVENSON, MEINZER, CLEMONDS, CORY, LOCKHART, ALVESTAD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/24/2013 at 00:09:58

From unknown newspaper January 19, 1951

Benford W. Evenson

Benford Walter Evenson, son of the late John and Bertha Marie Evenson, was born at Roland on April 15, 1890. It was in the Roland community that he grew to manhood, and with the exception of a few years, practically his entire life was spent in the Roland and Story City communities.

On July 25, 1918, he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces to serve in World War I. He went overseas in September of that year; and after the Armistice was signed, served in the Army of Occupation in Germany. On August 29, 1919, he received his honorable discharge.

On May 21, 1921, he was united in marriage at Winterset, to Maybelle Meinzer of Burt. Together they established a home of congeniality and love for the years that were to lie before them. To this union one daughter, Marlyn Ann, was born on January 26, 1926.

For 28 years Mr. Evenson was connected with Hegland Produce company in Roland and Story City, serving as manager of the company in Story City. In 1938 he purchased the Gamble store in Story City, which he operated until his death.

Mr Evenson was also active in civic and community affairs. He served as councilman for period of years, and from October 5, 1948 to April 1, 1950, served as mayor of Story City.

He was baptized and confirmed in Salem Lutheran church in Roland. On March 24, 1940, he, together with his wife, united with Grace Evangelical United Brethren church in Story City, serving with loyalty until his death.

Mr. Evenson, although not in robust health, had been carrying on his business as usual. Saturday night, January 13, he worked at the store until the usual closing time, and retired for the night. Early Sunday morning a heart attack overtook him, and almost without warning, at about 5:40 , January 14, death claimed him. He had reached the age of 60 years, 8 months and 30 days.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his sorrowing widow, one daughter, Marlys Anne Clemonds, a garanson Barry Lee Clemonds, a half brother Joseph, two brothers, Harry of Roland and Orville of Marshalltown, Mrs. Lunora Lockhart of Duluth, Minn., Mrs. Elmira Alvestad of Long Beach, Calif., and Miss Theresa Evenson of Council Bluffs.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 17 at the Larson-Peterson funeral home and at Grace Evangelical United Brethren church, with Rev. W. D. Winter in charge, and the Veterans Service in charge of the military portion of the service. Interment was in the Story City cemetery.