The wise, the witty, the wonderful Clifford "Cliff" Garfield Evenson, 93, died peacefully in his home the evening of October 12, 2016 while surrounded by his loving family. Cliff was a beloved husband of 65 years to Mary (nee Anderson) Evenson and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Cliff was born to Clarence and Grace (nee Hofas) Evenson in Chicago, IL on February 25, 1923.

On January 3, 1943, Cliff married his childhood-sweetheart Mary Anderson, whom he first met when they were both 11 years old.  Cliff started his family in Des Plaines, IL in a home he built himself.  Son Glenn was born, followed closely behind by daughter Susan, his sweetie pie.

He considered his most significant accomplishment raising a Christian family and frequently professed he lived the "American Dream." Cliff was proud to be an American.  He served in World War II, honorably discharged from the Army as a Technician Fourth Grade.  Cliff remained passionate about his country and engaged in the community throughout his life.

In retirement from a career in the insurance industry, Cliff traveled the country with Mary in a motorhome full-time for four years, making friends and memories.  As an eternal optimist, Cliff did not allow gradual blindness to deter him.  Cliff learned to use a computer while blind and was a regular author of letters to the editor and frequent e-mailer.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Emma (nee Lundberg), wife Mary, son Glenn, brothers Gale, Clarence Jr., and sister Kathryn (nee Golden).  He is survived by his daughter Susan (Robert) Sobanski, daughter-in-law Diana Evenson Gowdy, grandchildren Barbara Jackson, Brian Sobanski, Jason (Staci) Evenson, Jennifer (Michael) Freund, Justin (Heather) Evenson, and eight great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday, October 16, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Road, Fox Lake, IL 60020.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2016 at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery, McHenry.

It's pronounced "Even-Son."