Pictured here is Pfund & Clint owner Jim Van Ewyk (right) making a presentation at an event of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI) back in the 1990s, when he served as Chairman of the Board. Van Ewyk passed away on April 2 at the age of 82.
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
The Pfund & Clint store may no longer be in downtown Elmhurst, but for many, many years, it was a fixture in downtown that drew shoppers from around the Chicagoland area. Located in the spot currently occupied by The Uptown Shop in downtown Elmhurst, Pfund & Clint was the store everyone thought of first when it came to flowers, cards and gifts. Not only was it an outstanding place to order floral arrangements for any occasions, it was a Hallmark card shop and a place to find interesting and unusual, often one-of-a-kind housewares and decorative home items as well as personal effects like jewelry, scarves and small leather goods.
Its owner was Jim Van Ewyk for more than 50 years, having started a career there when he was just 15 years old. Jim was active in the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the entire time he held the business. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Chamber in 1990 and remained active until he retired.
On Friday, April 2, James John Van Ewyk, a resident of Villa Park, passed away at the age of 82. He was born Aug. 4, 1938. He was the beloved husband of the late Janice, nee Kirsch; loving father of Jeffrey Van Ewyk, Julie (Ryan) Pardoski, and the late Jon Van Ewyk; devoted grandfather of Jordin and Jared Pardoski; dear brother of the late Donna (the late Dean) Mc Farland; fond uncle of Dale, the late Deanna, and the late David McFarland. Dear friend of many. Jim was a devoted parishioner of Trinity Lutheran Church of Villa Park and an avid golfer.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, April 7, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Ardmore Ave, Villa Park. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church are appreciated. For funeral info: steuerlefh.com or 630-832-4161.
