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

Alan N. Willyard was born on September 9, 1931, at home in Melville, ND, the third son of Warren and Edythe (Zink) Willyard. He attended a one-room country school through the 8^th grade, before coming to Carrington, ND 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, ND, Bruce (Michelle) Willyard, Carrington, ND and Staci (Terry) Miller, Hettinger, ND; eight grandchildren, Audra Mehl, LaNae Weber, Quenton Kutz, Jennifer Willyard, Sarah Morze, Marie Willyard, Grant Miller, Cole Miller; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother Jim (Mary) Willyard of Anoka, MN.

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

 

Alan’s Visitation will be Tuesday, from 1:00-7:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, ND.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 10:30AM at the Federated Church, in Carrington, ND.

His Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.