Evelyn Buetow

Evelyn Buetow, 95, walked that last portage to join her paddling partner, Harry on February 10, 2018 in her home overlooking Lake Superior in Silver Bay.

Evie was born in St. Paul on May 3,1922 to Victor and Borghild 'Pat' Storberg.  She was a 1940 graduate of St. Paul Central High School and a 1945 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism.  She always said it should have been in home economics and music.

It was the summer of 1939 that Evie met Harry at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan on Burntside Lake near Ely.  That meeting led her to a 79-year relationship with the camp as children and grandchildren continued the tradition.  The Camp Widjiwagan/Camp duNord experience continues to be an integral part of the family life.

Evie and Harry were married in 1944 and went on their first couple canoe trip for their honeymoon in what is now the BWCAW.  This began a life time of canoe trips with the family in the BWCAW and Quetico Park, going on her last trip when she was 80.  Fishing was a passion for Evie and Harry from the boundary waters to Florida to Montana and Alaska.  She had a deep love and appreciation for wilderness and water.

The family moved to Silver Bay in 1955 when it was a new town, drawn to the town not only because the town needed a dentist but because of the fishing, hunting and canoeing possibilities.   Even though she had 3 young children she quickly became involved in the community.  She was a Brownie/Girl Scout leader, on the building committee for the Silver Bay Pubic Library and the board, member of the PTA, and the AAUW.  Other interests included hiking, cross-country skiing, knitting, reading, newspaper puzzles (in ink), and traveling.

Evie's home was always filled with a wide variety of music.  She sang in a trio in high school, The Harmony Hags and at the University in the Tri Delt Trio.  She also sang in the Sychar Lutheran Church choir, Borealis Chorale in Grand Marais, and with the totally unique, amazing Singing Moms.  In addition, she taught piano lessons, played hand-bells, and took organ lessons at St. Scholastica in order to be the Sychar organist. She attended Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra concerts for over 40 years.  In her last weeks, Classical MPR was her constant companion.

She was an excellent cook and baker.  Her home ground cracked wheat bread was legendary and was mailed to many a college dormitory over the years.  The great grandchildren are already hooked on “Oma Bread”.  Everyone always had to taste something at least once and no one was allowed to pick out onions or green peppers.

Evie was a curious, interested and interesting person who reached out to people of all ages with attention and friendship.  She had a sparkle and smile for everyone, a sharing, generous and loving nature.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends especially at 5:00 wine time.

Surviving are her children, Christine of Grand Marais, MN and her children, Odin (Betsy) Jorgenson, and Anna (Will) Sandstrom; David (Pat) of Charlotte, NC and their children, Teresa (Mike) Gigante, Will (Carrie) Buetow; Eric (Katie Madden) of Fairbanks, AK and their children Alex and Jordan; and great grandchildren, Gunnar, Sigrid, Isaac, Wyatt, Cullen, Brennan, Cosmo, Max and James.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Sanford, Dr. Michael Mollerus, Dr. Daniel Skorich, Dr. Susan Ash and St. Mary's Hospice.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11AM Memorial Service on Saturday February 24, 2018 at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay

Memorials may be directed to YMCA Camp Widjiwagan - Harry and Evelyn Family Endowment Fund 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500 Mpls., MN 55402 or donor’s choice.