Evelyn Rozena Kurth

Evelyn Rozena Kurth, 95 of Alexandria, passed away at her residence at Bethany on the Lake on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Garfield, MN. A public visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton after the funeral luncheon. 

On December 22nd, 2024, Evelyn (Evie) Kurth passed away peacefully at Bethany on the Lake to be with our Lord and Saviour.

She was born on April 5th, 1929, at home in Bellingham, MN to Ben and Helene Stoick. Evie was baptized in April of 1929. Her family farmed and Evie went to school through the 8th grade.

On September 13th, 1947, Evie married Arles (Bud) Whaley of Wheaton, Mn. She was then confirmed in February of 1952 at St John’s Lutheran Church.

Bud and Evie raised their four children in Wheaton while Evie worked at the nursing home and Bud was in the plumbing business. Sadly, Bud died in a tragic car accident at just 40 years old. 

Evie and Bud had always had a strong friendship with LeRoy Kurth. LeRoy moved back to Minnesota after Bud’s death and he and Evie went on to marry on September 20th, 1965.

In 1975 Evie and LeRoy moved to Brandon, Mn and built their dream home on Big Chip. Together they purchased Ropers Spring Soft a water softener business in Alexandria, Mn. They worked together for 13 years and then sold the business to enjoy retirement. 

Evie, who was also known as “Granny” to all who loved her had a passion for cooking and baking. Some favorites enjoyed by her family were “Granny Buns” and Caramel Rolls. The secret in her caramel rolls was that before she put them in the oven, she had to tap each one with her “special touch”. She didn’t know why she did it, only that it was the magic way she made them. She always loved to make a little extra to send home with her grandkids.

Being with family was very important to Evie. She was happiest when they were all together on their trips to Oak Island and Eagle Lake. There they would spend time together fishing in the boats (Hunk and Junk), playing Royal Rummy, and making memories. 

Along with the full family trips she loved to join her kids and their families on adventures at Mary view and Fisk Lake. She loved to sit by the lake, relax and watch her grandchildren and great grand kids. She also enjoyed the July 4th Celebrations on Horseshoe Lake. 

Every year Evie looked forward to attending the Minnesota State Fair where she could pick up her commemorative button. She visited the State Fair nearly 30 times and during those visits you were most likely to find her at her favorite spot sitting at the bandshell listening to the Polka music. 

Sharing stories with her siblings and others at the Stoick or Kissin’ Kousins reunion was something Evie always looked forward to. There she could listen again to her beloved Polka music played by her brother Johnny. 

Evie always had a strong Christian Faith and love for her community at St John’s Lutheran church where she enjoyed taking care of the altar flowers for many years. She even learned to drive late in life so she could make daily trips there if necessary to water the plants. 

Evie is survived by her children: Linda (Roger) Toso, Patty (Gary) Tolifson, Doug (Pam) Whaley and Bob (Kathy) Whaley: grandchildren: John, Pam, Sandy, Brian, Steven, Paul, James and Tina; 15 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Irene, Sammy, Gertie, Marlys (Bruce), John (Pat) and sister-in-law Marge; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Bud and LeRoy; siblings Jim, Mary, Jo, Andrew, Maggie, Margaret, Elaine and Patty; along with numerous other relatives and friends. 

Celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas was her favorite time of year. She is now with Jesus and the Angels. 

We are blessed with many cherished memories and “Granny” will be in our hearts forever.