Elvin "El" Ewert
October 10, 1925 ~ October 25, 2018
Of Forest Lake. A Life Well Lived, A Purpose to Serve. El Ewert, decorated Veteran passed away on Oct. 25, 2018 at the age of 93. Born October 10th, 1925 in Mountain Lake, MN son of Abram and Helen (Voth) Ewert.
Survived by sons, John (Deidre), Tom (Sherry), Bob (Victoria); grandchildren, Kristopher (Jacki), Laurisa (Marc), Deena, Emily, Elizabeth (Jonathan), Nate (Nicole), and Brianna; 5 great-grandchildren; many dear friends.
Preceded in death by parents; daughter, Barbara Grave; brothers, Wilbur & Clarence.
El was a proud WWII US Army veteran earning a Purple Heart & Bronze Star. He served in the Philippines where he had been shot through the leg and took shrapnel in the stomach, strapped to the wing of an airplane and flown out of a battle zone. He loved family, fishing, friends, fundraising, singing and helping others. He was a true patriot singing the national anthem for the MN Twins, 4th of July parades, and many other events. El was active in his Forest Lake community as a member with the American Legion, VFW, the Lions, and AA. He recently celebrated 43 years of sobriety.
A Celebration of El’s Life will be held 12 Noon Thurs., Nov. 1st with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Forest Lake American Legion, 355 W. Broadway, Forest Lake. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Wounded Warrior Project or Forest Lake Lions.
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El Ewert was a long time friend and one of the most patriotic, honorable men I’ve ever met. Thank you El for all you’ve done for the community, and for me personally. RIP Big El…
This was a great man! A true american and a man that would care about everyone he met! Rest in Peace “Big El”.
Big Al, Lion El — He was most importantly a DEAR FRIEND. I loved the guy and had lots of fun with him over the years. We shared some great times attending World Series games in 1987 and 1991. After one of the Series games, on the way out, I remember him tumbling down an embankment at one end of a parking lot. He picked himself up and could only say, “WOW!” We had a lot of fun Lions experiences together. He loved his community and was a dedicated patriot. Thanks for your service El, and thanks for your friendship.
What a wonderful man, and what a wonderful life. El was always the most supportive person in helping kids, students, and his community. He was often THE key person in connecting educators, businesses or community helping groups, to the various service organizations. His patriotism, and his huge heart, were always inspirational to all who knew him. Rest in peace, El.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for El’s military service to our nation in the Army and to veterans and the community as a 60+ year member of the American Legion. He was in charge of our honor guard and color guard for many years and trained me in 10 years ago. We will surely miss him.
El has been a mainstay in the Forest Lake Community. He was always eager to assist the Lions, the Legion and the VFW whether at a local of District level. El was also a fisherman and a card player among his hobbies. El made pickles every year from his mother’s recipe and his family couldn’t wait to get a jar. El sang at my daughter’s wedding as well as many tributes for the Veteran’s and other friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
We are saddened to hear of the loss of a great American, a wonderful family man, an amazing dear friend, and a lifelong friend and Army buddy for our Dad, Ace Barton. El, I salute you for your service and volunteerism in your community. I will miss the phone chats the most and will cherish our visit for your 90th birthday party forever. Thank you El. I love you! Your daughter from another mother, Annette.