Evan Frank Heustis

Evan Frank Heustis was born October 3, 1941 in Devils Lake, ND to Ralph L. Heustis and Ella (Anderson) Heustis. A Salvationist through and through, he was "Promoted to Glory" February 13, 2019, at the age of 77. 

For twelve years in the Devils Lake public schools Evan practiced his gregarious ways on students, friends and teachers alike. With the exception of his post high school education, he was a life-long resident of Devils Lake. Evan was a sophomore in high school when his father suddenly passed away. Evan stepped up as cook, cleaner and compassionate brother for his four younger siblings while their Mother worked. 

Following his undergraduate studies at the University of North Dakota, Evan attended law school in New York. After the passing of their Mother, Evan put law school on the back burner and returned to Devils Lake to make a home for his three younger brothers. He would say, "I was put here for a reason, this is my family, my town”. During this time you may have heard Evan’s booming voice on KDLR radio or had him as a substitute teacher at Central. When he felt assured his brothers would be okay without him, he returned to UND to complete his law degree. He practiced law in Devils Lake until the time of his death.

Always learning, he taught himself to play many instruments. He was fluent in French and taught French, as well. Never one to sit still, he was a tutor, Boy Scout leader and public speaker for many events. He spoke with humor and of faith and patriotism. For many years he played piano for nursing home residents. He was a proud volunteer with the Salvation Army for 65 years. A person of Christian faith, he lived life serving others. Evan was humbled to be the recipient of community and Salvation Army recognition.

Evan lovingly raised and adored his four sons. They kept him busy and they kept him young. He enjoyed getting out and about but also loved being home listening to his old radio programs, practicing Morse code, studying astronomy, playing piano, listening to music and perusing his many books. One of his favorites was, The Little Prince, with the lesson of looking beneath the surface of people to find the real truth and meaning of their needs. 

Catherine Booth, one of the founders of The Salvation Army said, "None of us know what is next...what God will ask of us, but we know we shall be safe in His hands”. That is Evan today - Safely Home...Safe in HIS hands.

Evan is survived by his sons Waun (Debann Peltier) Vetter, Fischer, MN, Daniel Valdez, West Fargo and Gabriel Trevino, Mpls, MN, his sister Helen (Phil) Millard, Fort Collins, CO, his brothers, Tom (Kara) Heustis, Bismarck and Neil (Mona) Heustis, Parker, CO, his sister-in-law, Ruth Heustis (wife of LaMont), Ft. Collins, CO, nieces Deanna Iverson and Holli Grabenstein, nephews Brian Heustis, Greg Johnson, John Heustis, Jason Heustis, Karl Heustis, Weston Heustis and 24 great-nieces and great nephews

Evan was greeted in Heaven by his parents Ralph and Ella; son, Wade Vetter; brother Curtis and wife Carol (Vanderlin) Heustis; brother LaMont Heustis; nephew Chris Heustis; niece Dawn Heustis, sister-in-law Kathy (Heit) Heustis and his dear Lakewood friends John and Dyne Ziegler and Leonard Michalski.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army  

Funeral Services for Evan will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Robert Fawcett Auditorium at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Broschat officiating. Evan will be laid to rest in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, February 22^nd from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. and will continue at the Auditorium on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service.