Obituary for Edward Albert Alvey Sr.
Edward Albert Alvey Sr., of Mercer, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, at his home.
Known to his friends and loved ones as “Ed,” he was a man who deeply cherished his family, the rugged beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods, and his hometown of Mercer. His love for the Northwoods and his community was unwavering.
Born April 17, 1928, Ed’s life began with the humblest of beginnings. He overcame remarkable challenges, having been born into a life without electricity or running water. Hunting and trapping were not just a lifestyle it was a way he contributed to feeding the family. He walked ten miles to school, five in and five back, yet emerged as the valedictorian of his graduating class in 1945. His early hardships forged in him a lifelong love for hunting and a profound respect for nature. Stories of him seeking shelter inside the fresh carcass of a bear he had just hunted in Alaska to stay warm overnight were not an exaggeration, but rather a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness.
Ed’s dedication extended beyond his personal experiences. He fought tirelessly for decades to keep the Mercer Public School open, believing that without a local school, the heart of the town would fade. He served as a dedicated member of Mercer’s School Board and enthusiastically supported his children’s academics and their athletic pursuits, often traveling for hours to watch their games.
Even after his youngest daughter graduated from high school, Ed continued to support the girls’ volleyball team and was honored as their #1 fan for the 2021-2022 season at the remarkable age of 93.
Ed’s enduring legacy was his instrumental role in persuading the railroads to return railway track land to the communities. He foresaw the potential for these tracks to become valuable snowmobile trails, a vision that proved to be prophetic.
Ed was a visionary entrepreneur who invested in his community. He co-founded the Mercer Hardware Store with his brother Ray Alvey and later established Tri-State Homes in the late 1960s, aiming to build affordable, adaptable homes quickly on customers’ lots. In the 1970s, Tri-State became the largest employer in the area. Ed also founded The Mercer Lumber Company, not only to capitalize on economies of scale but also to provide locals with a convenient source for their building needs. His early investments in local land helped sustain the town’s vitality. Ed was honored by the Mercer Chamber of Commerce as a Cornerstone of the Community in 2019.
After a brief stint away from the area, Ed returned to establish The Great Northern Motel. Starting with 40 units, he expanded to 80, adding a bar and restaurant that catered to the snowmobiling and eventually to the ATV community. The Great Northern was awarded The Best Individual Motel in North America by Snowgoer magazine.
Ed was known for his stubborn determination, often getting his way. He was a man who was not for everyone, but his tenacity forged enduring friendships, kept his children close, led to incredible adventures around the world, and fueled his pursuit of learning through avid reading, which continued until the very end.
Ed Alvey belonged to a generation we now mournfully see fading away. We are grateful for his long and impactful life, and we will forever cherish the legacy he leaves behind.
Ed is survived by his loving children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be given to the Mercer Public Library in Ed’s name.
Known to his friends and loved ones as “Ed,” he was a man who deeply cherished his family, the rugged beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods, and his hometown of Mercer. His love for the Northwoods and his community was unwavering.
Born April 17, 1928, Ed’s life began with the humblest of beginnings. He overcame remarkable challenges, having been born into a life without electricity or running water. Hunting and trapping were not just a lifestyle it was a way he contributed to feeding the family. He walked ten miles to school, five in and five back, yet emerged as the valedictorian of his graduating class in 1945. His early hardships forged in him a lifelong love for hunting and a profound respect for nature. Stories of him seeking shelter inside the fresh carcass of a bear he had just hunted in Alaska to stay warm overnight were not an exaggeration, but rather a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness.
Ed’s dedication extended beyond his personal experiences. He fought tirelessly for decades to keep the Mercer Public School open, believing that without a local school, the heart of the town would fade. He served as a dedicated member of Mercer’s School Board and enthusiastically supported his children’s academics and their athletic pursuits, often traveling for hours to watch their games.
Even after his youngest daughter graduated from high school, Ed continued to support the girls’ volleyball team and was honored as their #1 fan for the 2021-2022 season at the remarkable age of 93.
Ed’s enduring legacy was his instrumental role in persuading the railroads to return railway track land to the communities. He foresaw the potential for these tracks to become valuable snowmobile trails, a vision that proved to be prophetic.
Ed was a visionary entrepreneur who invested in his community. He co-founded the Mercer Hardware Store with his brother Ray Alvey and later established Tri-State Homes in the late 1960s, aiming to build affordable, adaptable homes quickly on customers’ lots. In the 1970s, Tri-State became the largest employer in the area. Ed also founded The Mercer Lumber Company, not only to capitalize on economies of scale but also to provide locals with a convenient source for their building needs. His early investments in local land helped sustain the town’s vitality. Ed was honored by the Mercer Chamber of Commerce as a Cornerstone of the Community in 2019.
After a brief stint away from the area, Ed returned to establish The Great Northern Motel. Starting with 40 units, he expanded to 80, adding a bar and restaurant that catered to the snowmobiling and eventually to the ATV community. The Great Northern was awarded The Best Individual Motel in North America by Snowgoer magazine.
Ed was known for his stubborn determination, often getting his way. He was a man who was not for everyone, but his tenacity forged enduring friendships, kept his children close, led to incredible adventures around the world, and fueled his pursuit of learning through avid reading, which continued until the very end.
Ed Alvey belonged to a generation we now mournfully see fading away. We are grateful for his long and impactful life, and we will forever cherish the legacy he leaves behind.
Ed is survived by his loving children and grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be given to the Mercer Public Library in Ed’s name.