Kevin Carlton Midthun, age 61, left us suddenly and unexpectedly, Monday November 10, 2014, with his loving family by his side. Kevin was born January 10th, 1953 in LaCrosse, WI to Reverend Maynard & Mary Ellen (Mandt) Midthun, who preceded him in death. Kevin is survived by his wife, Dawn (Lamb) Midthun; sons, Aaron (Kasey) and Blayne (Kayla) Midthun; grandchildren, Jonah, Stella, Noraa and Blake; sisters Darla Midthun (Dennis Johnson), Gail Solberg; many cherished extended family members, along with countless other friends who were blessed to know him. Kevin moved to Eau Claire from California with his family in 1964, where his father was Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church for 14 years. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1971, attended UWEC and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where he was inspired by Arnold Flaaten to pursue his passion of woodcarving. He met the love of his life, Dawn, in 1970 and they were married in 1975. They went on to have two sons who brought Kevin great joy and pride. Kevin opened his first wood studio in a small shop just off Grand Avenue in 1976. In 1982 Kevin built his own studio on McKinley Road, at the edge of town, behind their home. You could say he was part of the scenery here in Eau Claire and his wood carvings can be found all around the country. Kevin created many large carvings for local schools, hospitals and churches. Kevin also carved large seals for the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire; Eau Claire County, the Wisconsin State Seal for its Sesquicentennial Celebration, and the Northern Wisconsin Peace Officers Memorial. Kevin's artistic imagination and expert hands created many masterpieces that included carved art in the form of mantels, business signs, religious carvings, emblems, and architectural detail. Kevin was an expert at the restoration of furniture, antique woodwork, and diverse oddities like antique horse-drawn sleighs and massive church doors. In his unique wood studio, Kevin had a great light-filled space to work in, and a tremendous variety of hand and machine tools to make things happen. Kevin was a connoisseur of fine woods and knew how to bring out their best qualities. "It's great rising in the morning knowing I have a carving on the easel. Working the wood makes it all happen. I love seeing the design evolve from the wood. The tapping of the mallet on the chisel is almost a meditation. I liberate my artistic vision in my sketches, then I'm rewarded when the vision materializes in the wood. It feels like magic. At the end of a good day, the woodchips fill the floor." Kevin touched the lives of many people with his unmistakable voice, generosity, sincerity, and charisma. He loved traveling, whether it was Europe, Norway, visiting family in the Madison area, or sneaking up north to Bayfield and Lake Superior where he loved the solitude which gave him peace. He also treasured the time spent in his own back yard. Kevin's hands were always busy, whether it was carving art, ongoing remodeling projects at home, gardening, or building a playhouse for his grandchildren, who will forever remember him as their loving "Pa." While Kevin's passing leaves a large hole in our lives, we feel blessed for the wonderful memories that will sustain us. A celebration of Kevin's life will be held, Saturday, November 15, 2014, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to join the family for fellowship in the church assembly, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family. Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com

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