Mary Eleanor Claire Evink, lovingly known as Claire, passed away peacefully at her home on October 16, 2026.

Claire was born on April 22, 1935, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Laurel and Mary Andrews.

A year after she was born, Claire’s family moved to Gary, Indiana. Claire enjoyed growing up in urban Gary, and also developed a love for northern Minnesota where her family vacationed. When her parents moved to a home on Bad Medicine Lake in northern Becker County, Claire followed them.

Claire married the love of her life, Harold Evink, on June 6, 1969 in Park Rapids. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Claire will be remembered for her remarkable strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. While raising five children and working full-time, she also cared for her mother following her father's passing. No matter how busy life became, Claire always found ways to care for those around her.

One of the many ways she expressed her love was through baking. Family and friends could always count on a warm loaf of freshly baked homemade bread, lovingly prepared from a recipe passed down by her mother.

Claire found happiness in life's simple pleasures. Each year, she eagerly looked forward to planting her garden. She had a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and dogs, and was rarely without a crossword puzzle nearby. An avid reader, she particularly enjoyed mystery thrillers and books about World War II history.

Her love of movies began early in life. As a teenager, Claire worked at a theater, where she developed an appreciation for classic films that stayed with her throughout the years.

Of all the roles Claire held throughout her life, being a grandmother was among her greatest joys. For more than 30 years, she delighted in being a grandmother, and in recent years, she was blessed to become a great-grandmother as well.

Whether she was playing games, baking treats, or finding little ways to spoil her grandchildren, Claire made each moment special. Although she led a busy life, she always made time to stay connected with her family and friends.

Claire's legacy is one of love, strength, generosity, and devotion to family. She will be remembered not only for all she accomplished, but also for the countless ways she made others feel loved and cared for.

Claire is lovingly remembered by her husband, Harold Evink; her five children, Trenton Evink, Jayne (Carl) Olson, Patricia (Brian) Lydeen, Brian (Mary) Evink, and Bradley (Diana Jendro) Evink; her grandchildren, Koert Evink, Spencer (Mary Pham) Evink, Ashley (Andrew) Younker, Hailey (Chris Reynolds) Olson, Natalie Olson, Mya Lydeen, Myles Lydeen, Mason Lydeen, Ethan Winter, Madelyn Evink, Ella Evink, and Ryker Evink; and her great-grandchild; Lucas Younker; sister Sharon Childs; brother Charles (Laurie) Andrews; as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurel and Mary Andrews.

Claire's life was a beautiful example of strength, kindness, and enduring love. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Services to honor Clair will be held on October 24, 2026 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home; Visitation begins at 1:00 PM, the funeral service is from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and immediately following the service will be a private burial for family only, held at the Greenwood Cemetery 

Flowers can be ordered with Park Rapids Floral & Nursery. 218-732-5109

Flowers will be delivered to the funeral home the morning of the service.