OBERLIN J. EVENSON

EVENSON, OBERLIN J. Oberlin Jerome Evenson passed away at his home in Point Loma on September 22, 2010, of natural causes. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well an honored member of the U.S. Army and an active member of the San Diego community. Oberlin was born on March 26, 1919, to parents Willard and Edna Evenson in Seattle, Washington, where his father was stationed on active duty in the Army. He attended the San Diego Army and Navy Academy High School and continued his education at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, where he majored in Business Administration and later met Vivian Levitt. He and his beloved "Viv" where married on June 7, 1942, at Fort Ord Army Base and shared a love that spanned 68 years. While in college, "Ole" was a reserve officer in the Army. He was called into active service on June 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was bombed. He and Viv were then separated for the next three years as Ole served overseas with the 3rd Infantry Division. He began his service in Casablanca, Africa, and was promoted to Major in 1943. During his service overseas, he participated in seven campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received a Bronze Star with cluster, Distinguished Unit Badge Croix de Guerre with Fourragere and made seven amphibious landings under fire. The Europe African Middle Eastern (EAME) medal and seven stars he received were awarded for his service in these seven campaigns. After the war, Ole stayed in the Army Reserves and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1954. In addition to a distinguished military career, Ole also was an active member of the San Diego business, philanthropic, and sports communities. He spent 40 years with American Mill and Manufacturing and was a past president of the Lumber Association. He was also an active member of Rotary Club 33, and sang in the choir in the Christmas program. He was also a former Trustee of the San Diego Zoological Society. Ole was an active supporter of the arts and loved music. He was Founding Trustee of the Spreckels Organ Society in Balboa Park and sang in the choir at First Presbyterian Church in San Diego where he was often a featured baritone soloist. He received the STAR Award for his volunteer service in the community. Ever the avid sports fans, Ole and Viv had season tickets to Charger games for 50 years. Ole was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Karen Evenson Lang, and is survived by his wife Vivian Evenson, his daughter Olivia Alford (and husband Bill), his brother Edvard Evenson, his grandchildren Jerry Lang (and wife Lily), Kristin Lang Cardonnel (and husband Pascal), Sarah Alford Hock (and husband Davis) and David Alford (and wife Shaabini). Ole was blessed to have also been loved by six great-grandchildren - Bruno and Pauline Cardonnel, Ryan and Vivian Lang, and Junia and Eden Hock. A Memorial Service will be held at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego, 92107, on Friday, October 1st, at 1:00 p.m.