Obituary: Alan Willyard

Alan Willyard

Alan Willyard, age 91, died Thursday, September 7, 2023, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Carrington with his son by his side.

Alan's visitation was Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 1:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the Federated Church, in Carrington, N.D., with Pastor Rick Lowen officiating. Audra Kutz-Mehl was soloist and Clara Edwardson was organist. His burial was at the Carrington Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Grant Miller, Cole Miller, Troy Willyard, Terry Miller, Bruce Willyard and Warren Willyard.

Alan N. Willyard was born on September 9, 1931, at home in Melville, N.D., the third son of Warren and Edythe (Zink) Willyard. He attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade, before coming to Carrington, N.D., for high school. He graduated from high school with academic honors and was the Athlete of the Year in 1951.

Alan married Cynthia Olson in 1951 in the Federated Church, Carrington. Together they were blessed with four children: Pamela, Bruce, Jay and Staci. After working for Eldo Lee, he started his own excavating business, which he owned and operated for 37 years. His son, Bruce, worked with him and has continued operating the business even after Alan retired.

Alan liked hunting and fishing and taught his grandsons about the sport. He enjoyed golfing, even accomplished a hole-in-one, and was one of many who helped build CrossRoads Golf Course in Carrington.

He also loved to bowl with family and friends and was a part of many leagues over the years. He was the Chamber President for many years, President of the old Foster County Wildlife Club, a member of the Jaycees, the hospital board that built the new hospital, and on the Federated Church Board.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, Pamela (Jack) Kutz, Sykeston, N.D., Bruce (Michelle) Willyard, Carrington, N.D., and Staci (Terry) Miller, Hettinger, N.D.; eight grandchildren, Audra Mehl, LaNae Weber, Quenton Kutz, Jennifer Willyard, Sarah Morze, Marie Willyard, Grant Miller and Cole Miller; eleven great-grandchildren and a brother, Jim (Mary) Willyard, Anoka, Minn.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Edythe; one son, Jay; one grandson, Mitch Miller, Hettinger and four brothers, Edward, Wells, George and Jerry.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.