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In loving memory of
Everett H. Eiken
January 28, 1937 - January 5, 2010
Everett (Ev) Harold Eiken, 72, of Winona, died on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, after living courageously with cancer for MANY years. In his fight, he endured what most could not withstand in order to continue celebrating his life with those he loved. Everett died peacefully at home, just as he wished, surrounded by loved ones who cared for him.
During a January 28th snowstorm, Ev was born at home to Maynard and Hilda Eiken (Ferden). He grew up in the Rushford-Peterson area enjoying both the simplicity and challenges of rural farm life. He lived his life following his dear mother's motto: "If there is a will, there is a way;" which he adhered to until his very last breath.
Reading and learning were true passions of Everett's. He graduated from Peterson High School and furthered his education at Luther College. He did his master's work at Winona State College and attained his doctorate at Colorado State College.
Ev's compassion and drive to help others touched many lives during his 31 years of teaching at Winona State University. Ev had the ability to enhance the dignity of each individual while gently challenging them to become a better person. All who got the privilege of learning from him got so much more than an education. His essence and gift continues on in many communities through the service of the students he educated.
Everett was a long time member of the Winona YMCA. He spent countless hours playing racquetball with family and friends. He enjoyed the competition and never let up on his opponent. He was in many local and national competitions earning him induction into the Racquetball Hall of Fame. His love of the game was only dimmed by his love of the camaraderie that he felt while he was with his friends.
Ev was a devoted and loving family man. He adored his mother and spent a great deal of time playing rummy with her. He would always return to play again, even though she consistently would win most games. Ev and his sister shared many passions. They enjoyed going to auctions together searching for just the right antique. His children, stepchildren and grandchildren meant the world to him. He enjoyed the fires in the quarry, picking and eating fresh berries from his gardens and just the sharing of laughter and love. Ev's tenderness with his grandchildren was captivating. His legacy will live on because he did such a fine job raising his children. Ev was the most amazing husband, best friend and soul mate anyone could desire. He and his wife shared a beautiful and profound relationship. He expressed true unconditional love. His thoughtfulness and loving ways will be deeply missed.
Everett is survived by his wife Kim Eiken (Kaminski); his stepchildren Jacob. Hannah and Phillip Nitecki; his children Beth Adams (Mike), Brett Eiken (Angela) and their mother Shirley Eiken (Wermager); his grandchildren; Evan Adams, Avery Adams, Halie Eiken and Brode Eiken; his mother Hilda Eiken (Ferden); and his sister Kaye Eiken (Allan Skalet).
Ev was preceded in death by his father, Maynard Eiken.
Everett's life experiences taught him to believe in the "Family of the Heart," those dearest friends who become chosen family. Ev is survived by an extensive family of the heart that includes many individuals who dedicated steady time, energy and love to share his journey with him to the end of his life. The unparalleled empathy and fine skills of the Winona Area Hospice staff made Ev's final weeks peaceful and pain free. The Eiken family wishes to extend their gratitude to all members of their family of the heart!
Please join the family in commemorating Ev's life at Hoff Funeral Home-Goodview Chapel, on Saturday, January 9. Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 with a celebration of life ceremony at 5:00.
Please share a memory of Ev with his family, sign his online guestbook or view his video tribute when it becomes available online at: www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/111743
Tributes
"Please accept my sincere sympathy. I only learned of his passing today and was lucky to find this site so I could leave my sympathy to the dear family. What a wonderful teacher and mentor. He helped me to schedule my classes so I accelerate the master's program - I was able to finish the 2 year program plus thesis in 11 months! Back in 1976, there were not many willing to individualize a program! An amazing person, a great intellect, he will be missed."
"To Kim and Family: We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for comfort and the remembrance of special memories. Ev was a great man of integrity. He was very encouraging and had a great sense of humor. He used his gift of teaching to the fullest. I met him in 1989 during a class I took. He worked hard at whatever he did. I remember when he was building the rock wall on his property. All the truckloads of rock he brought up the hill. I had to learn how to play racquetball the hard way. I played Ev. Seeing how much help I needed, he proceeded to give me a lesson or two. It was one of the first times I had played. I have kept in contact with him periodically ever since. We will miss him greatly. He was very kind to me and a "Dad" figure to me. He actually listened to what I had to say. I hadn't known that before. I felt that he believed in me and knew I would succeed at what I set out to do. God Bless you all during this time and always! May you keep on remembering. "
"Kim and family you have our Sympathy. I'm sorry we never really got to know Ev. The video was very nice. Hold on to the memories and it will get you through. It's not how long you live it's what you do while you are here. Looks like he had a full life. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Brian and Patty Roberts"
"Dear Kim and Jacob, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of Ev. Although my husband and Maynard were cousins, we never really got to know Ev and Kaye. Maynard's mother,Clarinda, and my mother-in law were sisters. Clarinda too, was a very special lady and we were very close. Clarinda loved my children and always let us know it. My grandson, John who is almost 3, has a homemade stuffed animal which he loves and Clarinda gave it to little John's mother, Bethany, when she was a baby. The relationship to Ev was renewed when surprisingly, Jacob and my grandson, Taylor, became friends and Jacob told him about his mother and stepdad and somehow Taylor put the relationship together. Jacob always had very good things to say about Ev and told Taylor about his health. Taylor always let me know what Jacob told him. They are both very special boys. Ev's dad too, was a very wonderful person and we got to know him much better when he was at Good Shephard. I think of you Kim and know how very hard it is for you to lose such a wonderful, loving husband and father to your children. Everyone's had very kinds thoughts and memories of Ev. I pray for all of you at this difficult time and that your memories last forever. "
"Our sympathy to all of the family. Paul has many memories of growing up with his cousin Ev as they were only 5 weeks apart in age. We also have some neat pictures of the two boys together when they were about 3-4 years old. They look like twins. It is sad that he didn't have more years to enjoy his grandchildren, and they, him. We will miss him too!"
"Brett, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you. Take care, Sara"
"Kim, Please accept my condolences for your loss. May the many great memories help you through this tough time. Bob"
"So sorry to hear about Ev's passing. I didn't realize that his health was failing. I didn't know him as well as I would have liked to.( I suppose it had to do with the age difference). When we use to go to the farm, to visit Hilda and Maynard, Ev was grown up and doing his thing. I got to know Kay better. I can remember her spectacular play room next to the kitchen that I could play in when I went to visit.( I was so envious). I know my Mother and Dad thought the world of Ev. I can remember my brother Joe telling me that Ev had called him when he found out that he had cancer. That was a very caring thing to do, and I know it helped Joe out just talking to him. I enjoyed the video very much, seeing all those pictures brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face. Ev has done wonderful things in his life and accomplished so much. May his life be an inspiration to all that knew him and loved him. Lauren"
"Brett I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Viewing his tribute was beautiful and it certainly seemed like he lived a very full life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Get out and do some ice fishing to have some quiet, reflecting, theraputic memories to put to the vault within your heart. Take care and God Bless Teenie Sonsalla "
"Brett and my son Mark were best of friends all through high school and beyond. Have fond memories of football pizza parties at the house. Ev was a wonderful father, always involved with his son's activities. Brett spent a lot of time at our house during those years and Ev would call to check on Brett and to thank us for letting Brett stay. My son spent a lot of time at their house as well. Ev was a very thoughtful, caring parent and a fun loving person to know. We will remember the good times. He surely will be missed by the Streater family, Ruth Streater"
"Dear Hannah & Family, You and your family have our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your step-father and we want you to know that you and your family will be kept in our prayers. God Bless You, The Klungtvedts"
"I met Ev only once, but I considered him a friend... He was my sister Ruby's Instructors at WSU - Ruby and Ev were very good friends and through Ruby, he was my friend too. I met him when Ruby & I were in Winona/ Minnesota City/ Owatonna in the year 1998 - It was Ruby's wish to have me meet all her friends at WSU / Winona from the time she was at WSU (in 1975) - And so I met Ev...I found Ev to be wonderfully gracious in accepting me as the brother of his friend (Ruby) & making me feel so welcome in his home - He had baked a home-made bread for us which we loved ...and then the three of us went to see Garvin Heights.... His gentle and caring manner was something that I remember very well. In all his recent sufferings /surgeries for cancer I have been part of - indirectly, through my sister. My prayers were always there for him. I do know that his soul is at peace now- no more pain & suffering for our dear Ev. My deepest condolences to Kim & all his sons & daughters. May you find the strength to survive his loss peacefully."
"Ev taught me a lot about honesty and integrity. He challenged me to press on in spite of tough going in my struggles. Even though I did not use my counseling license right after graduation, his lessons were valuable. He is one to thank for my past 13 years and counting, as a counselor for Minneapolis Public Schools. He and his mother are right on: where there is a will, there is a way."
"Our fathers were brothers and best friends. My mother spoke of Ev fondly - she adored her nephews. They had a wonderful trip to Norway with the Eiken bunch. I remember going to their home and watching TV for the first time - It was "I Love Lucy" and laughing so hard we fell on the floor. I was always so proud to have an older, handsome cousin who had a "doctorate degree". You have my sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, son and brother."
"I have fond memories of Ev as a quiet, determined competitor on the Racquetball court during the 60's and 70's. He was a gentleman and scholar and it was my privilege to have known him if only for a short time long ago. His openness and lack of pretense were other traits I admired and appreciated. He was a good man who sought excellence in what ever he did."
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Ev and his family for many years and will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to the Eiken family on the loss of a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed but, very much remembered in the hearts of the Streater family......"
"Remembering Ev as a classmate and teammate in several sports. He was a great guy with a neat personality. Enjoyed visiting with him at our class reunions. I know he will be missed by family & friends. LaVerne Bartelson"
"Our Sympathy to Ev's family. Ellsworth remembers all the fun times they had in high school and how hard he hit in football!! They loved to reminisce their times together. He was very dedicated in whatever he pursued. We are sorry we are unable to attend the funeral because we are in Arizona at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving familly. "
"It was Ev who helped me to get through a degree in counseling and go on to help the people I have counseled. He was a gentle man who showed how to care for others and understand what others felt. I have worked in many places and helped many people. When they thank me for my insight, I credit Ev Eiken for this way to approach life with confidence and caring."
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"To Kim and the Eiken family- We are so sorry to hear of Everett's passing. He was such a nice man. We will be thinking of your family during this difficult time. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will surely be missed. He was a very special man."
"We are both very sorry for the loss of Everett. He was a kind and dedicated family man. You could tell he had a deep devotion to those he loved. We will miss seeing him visiting Hilda and playing cards with her. Everett always had a smile on his face even when you could tell he was not feeling well. Your family are in our hearts and prayers. Take care of yourselves and find comfort in the love all of you shared and the memories you have to hold onto."