Everald A. Timm

Everald Timm, age 95 of Garfield, Minnesota, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Alex Assisted Living with his sons by his side. Everald knew his Savior and now rests, holding the hand of Jesus.

Born as the second child to Arthur and Alice (Brueske) Timm, in a farmhouse near Garfield during the Great Depression, Everald experienced firsthand the challenges of drought and scarcity that swept through the Midwest. Despite the hardships, he remembered his childhood with a sense of gratitude, recalling the wonder of having a radio and, later, a television—modern marvels for a farm family of that time.

Everald attended grade school in Garfield alongside his future wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Wodtke. The two began dating in high school and married on September 23, 1951, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield, MN. Everald started farming near Garfield until he was drafted into military service during the Korean War in 1953. After his service, Everald and Betty moved to Moorhead, MN, where they started a family and he pursued a career in mechanics, studying at Hanson’s Mechanical Trade School in Fargo.

His career path reflected his deep passion for working with his hands. He taught auto mechanics and worked in garages and dealerships before returning to his hometown to run Garfield Grocery and Hardware, where he also performed small engine repairs. Later, he served for 21 years as a small engine repair instructor at Alexandria Technical and Community College, retiring at age 62.

A proud father of three sons and grandfather to eight, Everald’s family was a source of immense pride, joy and love. He also welcomed two great-grandchildren into the family in recent years. He took great comfort in knowing his children and grandchildren were thriving, remarking often on how proud he was of the generations that followed him.

Everald's retirement was anything but quiet. He maintained a 100-acre hobby farm with cattle, indulged in woodworking, and became a familiar face at craft fairs throughout the region in the 1990s. From intricate clocks to custom plaques, his scroll saw creations were well-loved and reflected both his mechanical mind and artistic touch.

When Betty’s health declined, Everald became her dedicated caregiver until her passing in 2011. Though he stopped attending craft shows, he continued woodworking quietly at home, making custom pieces for special occasions.

Everald was a near lifelong, active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. He served on nearly every board and position at the church, as well as singing in the choir and singing solos and duets for many weddings and funerals over the years. He loved singing and was a member of the Vikingland Chordsmen of Alexandria, and some other local men’s chorus groups.

Everald served his community as a member of the Garfield Fire Department for 27 years, beginning in 1965, and was fire chief in ‘70 and ‘71. Also, in the late 1960s to mid-1970s, he and friends owned and operated a racing team that raced in Alexandria and nearby towns; a challenging hobby which allowed him to use his experience and love of building engines and working on cars.

Throughout his life Everald loved to travel, most often with family, enjoying the simple pleasure of visiting extended family, seeing new places, and meeting new people. He made multiple trips to Europe with his siblings, brothers and nephews, and his special and beloved friend, Peggy Lien. He met Peggy on a bus trip in 2015, and they spent the next ten years exploring nearly all 50 states and beyond, on bus tours and river and ocean cruises. He cherished the more than 26 journeys together and the memories made. He and Peggy also spent time together on day trips, attending many local and regional concerts, plays, community events, and traveling to visit family, and for family events.

Everald enjoyed tending to his three-acre lawn and extensive flower gardens, and loved fishing, hunting when he was younger, and making time for coffee and conversation with friends. With humility and humor, he approached life with gratitude, never taking his health or blessings for granted. He is remembered not only for the skills he passed down and the work he did, but for the quiet dignity and kindness with which he lived his life. Blessed be his memory!

Everald Timm is survived by his three sons, Bradley (Cheri) Timm of Garfield, Gaylen (Bonnie) Timm of Hutchinson, MN; Brent (Heather) of Alexandria; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Laura), Brady, Geoffrey, Aaron, Allyson, Laura (fiancé John Vorhees), Brienna, and Zachary; two great grandchildren, Emma and Asher; siblings, Dale (Phyllis) Timm, Janice (Ken) Esala, Gerald (Susan) Timm, Kathy (Wayne) Johnson; sister-in-law, Marlys Timm; beloved friend, Peggy Lien; and many nieces and nephews.

Everald was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Timm; parents, Arthur and Alice Timm; brothers, Laurel Timm and Myrlen Timm; and a sister, Phyllis Ramsdell.

Memorials are preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church of Garfield or to the Garfield Fire Department.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11 AM with a visitation one hour prior at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield, MN.

Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery of Garfield, MN.