Evar W. Silvernagle

Evar Silvernagle, 96, of Rochester, passed into the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ in peace on Thursday, March 1st , at his home.Evar was surrounded by his loving family at his passing. Evar was born in Sweden in 1915, the son of Carl and Freda. He grew up in Mauston, Wisconsin with his two sisters and three brothers.He graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1938, where he was a star athlete and team captain in swimming, track, and cross country.At this time, he married Dorothy June Thompson (D.J.) his wife of 74 years.They moved to Austin, Minnesota and Evar began his distinguished high school teaching and coaching career, which brought him national acclaim. In 1947, Evar, D.J., and their two young sons, Charles and Thomas, moved to Rochester, where Evar continued his impressive career with the Rochester high school system.At the time of his retirement in 1977, Evar had earned many accolades and was well respected for both his leadership and aquatic coaching accomplishments. Evars coaching career is highlighted with 12 state swimming championship titles, an amazing 200 wins to only 10 losses, and he is credited with producing 60 All-Americans. Sports Illustrated magazine recognized Evar in 1977 and this was only the beginning of numerous professional awards.He is honored as the Minnesota Swimming Coach of the Decade (1960-1970) , was inducted into the Wisconsin Hall of Fame at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1979, joinedthe Minnesota State Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1980, honored as Rochesters first Sports Hall of Fame member in 1991, inducted into the Minnesota State High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame and the Minnesota State High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994,inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 1995, joined the Austin Sports Association Hall of Fame in 2002, and was given both the David H. Robertson Excellence in Coaching Award and the Outstanding Service Award in 2011 by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association. The Rochester community and state of Minnesota have been greatly influenced by Evars leadership roles.He was given the key to the city of Rochester in 1991, was the Chair of Water Safety for Olmsted County Red Cross for 30 years, was the past president of the Minnesota State High School Athletic Directors Association, was a regional representative for the Minnesota State High School League, and a past member of both the Elks and Rochester Quarterbacks Club. During an interview with the Rochester Post Bulletin in 2008 regarding his career, Evar said, I think the strength to a successful program is encouragement for the kids.I just tried to convince them that hard work is what pays off. He humbly continued, I was lucky; I always had good kids.They did all the work.Evar further explained that he is most proud of his swimmers future success, not in swimming, but in the rest of their lives. Although all of his awards were very meaningful to Evar, he concluded the interview, beaming with pride and love for his family. Evar is survived by his wife, Dorothy June, and sons Charles (Sharon) of Rochester and Thomas, of Rochester; grandchildren Jacqueline (Brad) Brekke of Lakeville, Joan (Joel) Berglund of Rosemount, and Dawn Candace (Nick) Ice of St. Paul; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 4th, from 2 to 5p.m.A funeral will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church on Monday, March 5th at 11a.m.Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com