Howard Thomas McAvoy

Howard McAvoy of Pine City passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 27, 2024 at the age of 82.

He was born Howard Thomas McAvoy on May 29, 1941 to Gordon McAvoy and Joyce (Fisher) Graham in Mankato, Minnesota.

Howard spent his early years on his maternal grandparents' farm in Coin, Minnesota, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors.  He graduated from Braham High School in 1959, where he was an avid football player. Howard enjoyed roller skating, farm chores, riding bikes, and playing with his siblings.
 
From 1959-1963 Howard served in the United States Navy, including time on a naval aircraft carrier with his friend Dick Dahlquist. After his service, he worked as a mechanic at the Ford garage in Braham and later at 3M.
 
His beloved children of whom he was always immensely proud were born, Nate in 1968 and Sarah in 1969, and he was always so proud of them.
 
It was at 3M that he met his wife, Evelyn, in 1979. They were married on October 4, 1980 and the family was expanded with Evie's children, Sue, Steve, Bob and Cheryl.
 
Howard was a devoted family man and an active member of his church, participating in men's ministry and ushering. In the early 1980's, he took his family on a memorable trip to England and Wales. In the early 90's, his grandchildren began arriving, and he embraced his role as a grandfather with great joy.
 
Howard loved having family over to grill, go on the lake, or attend church. He was always the family rock - smiling, loving, caring, humble, patient, and kind. In 2023, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, yet he faced his treatments with a smile, trusting in God's plan for him.
 
On May 25, Howard made the decision to come home on hospice, expressing his readiness with the words, "I am ready, I know where I am going." He spent his final moments surrounded by his family, listening to the comforting words of his son's McAvoy Family Ministries' music CD. "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways and He will make your path straight." Howard's legacy of faith, love, and dedication to his family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Howard is survived by his wife Evie McAvoy of Pine City; children Susan (John) Seward of Buffalo, New York, Steven Grady of Coon Rapids, Robert Grady of Minneapolis, Nate (Robin) McAvoy of Queen Creek, Arizona, Cheryl (Derek) Riebel of Sunderland, Maryland, Sarah Peterson of Braham; 10 grandchildren (and spouses); 9 1/2 great-grandchildren; sisters Cheryl Bahr of Braham, Dorothy (Sonny) Hanson of Isanti; cousins; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Gordon McAvoy; mother Joyce Graham; sister Maureen (Larry) Ferrier; brother Timmy Graham.

Reverend John Stiles will officiate funeral services for Howard: 11 AM; Friday, May 31, 2024 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM; Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Hilltop Cemetery in Pine City.

Memorials in Howard’s memory may be directed to the:

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Youth Group

825 Golf Ave SW

Pine City, Minnesota 55063

Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com