Elmer C. Evenson

Elmer C. Evenson, 89, of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Elmer will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Rafe Allison will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday. Serving as Casket Bearers for Elmer will be, Marvin Dahl, Leonard Birkeland, Elmer Stenson, Curtis Thorp, Richard Bergeth, Earl Haugland and Alvin Anderson. Elmer was born November 28, 1916 on his parents’ farm east of Devils Lake, the son of George and Stena (Hjerpus) Evenson. Elmer was baptized on February 5, 1917 at the Vernes Lutheran Church and attended rural schools in Minnewaukan Township, rural Devils Lake. He began farm work at an early age, driving horses in front of a drag. For recreation he trapped, hunted and ice skated. Elmer was proud of his first large purchase, a Model A Ford. In 1939, he went to Tacoma, Washington and worked as a carpenter. Farming proved to be a greater interest, so he returned to Devils Lake and rented farmland. While visiting his sister, Irene, who was attending Valley City State College, he met her roommate, Juanita Baustad from Fillmore. They were married in June of 1941. He purchased his first farm, the former August Warmark home, which was homesteaded by Gunder Ulstad in 1896. He had a thrashing crew and harvested for neighboring farmers. Elmer rented additional farmland and had a diversified operation until selling his cattle in 1957. Elmer and Juanita raised three children, Janis, Collin and Daryl. Elmer was active in the community, serving as a director of the Farmers Union Elevator, church boards and after retiring was active as an RSVP volunteer. He also was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Sons of Norway. He enjoyed fishing in Rock Lake, Manitoba after the crops were seeded in the spring. He had a home in Florence, Arizona and spent several winters there. Elmer is survived by his sons, Collin Evenson and his wife, Beth Daryl Evenson and his wife, Kim both of Devils Lake. Son-In-Law: Wayne Olson of Florence, Arizona Five Grandchildren: Sheryl Martz, Michael Olson, Alex (Erin) Evenson, Eriana Evenson and Ethan Evenson. Four Great Grandchildren: Tanner Martz, Jesse Martz, Henry Evenson and Zeth Olson. Sister: Irene Lang of Sacramento, California Brother: Gary (Mildred) Evenson of Surprise, Arizona He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita on July 15, 1998; daughter, Janis Olson in 2002; and brother, Orrin Evenson. Memorials may be directed to the Peace Lutheran Church Improvement Fund. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake.