Gerald “Jerry” Carl Evenson, 75, of Lanesboro, Minn., passed away on Friday, June 22, 2018, at Harmony Community Healthcare in Harmony, Minn., after struggling with Lewy Body Dementia.
Jerry was born in St. Paul, Minn., to Carroll “Fritz” and Anna (Helgeson) Evenson on March 12, 1943. He went to school at Harmony High School and continued his education at Austin Area Vocational School in Austin, Minn., where he studied electronics. He married Dorothy Anderson on September 14, 1963, in rural Lanesboro. He worked at Crenlo Manufacturing in Rochester and as a meat cutter for a little over a year.
After moving to Lanesboro, he worked as a parts & service manager for Peterson Motors. They also lived in Henrytown and rural Harmony, where they built their dream home. He also held jobs at Peterson Brothers, John Deere, Mylo Peterson Ford in Kenyon and Decorah Auto Center. He kept busy with all his part-time jobs – hauling milk for Joe Moen, delivering Agri News, road maintenance with Amherst Township. After retiring, he mowed for Lanesboro Golf Club, drove school bus and for Semcac.
He was an active member of the Elstad Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, sang in the choir, and played on the church dart ball team. He was a member of the Lanesboro City Council as well as the Utility Board.
Jerry was an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed working on them. He knew the make and model of every car he passed. He was a jack of all trades – could fix anything! He enjoyed golfing, collecting guns, spending time with family, and hunting pheasants with his son. He also found enjoyment in car and gun shows. Jerry was known by everyone in the tri-county area because of his “gift to GAB”!
Jerry is survived by his wife Dorothy of Lanesboro, a son, Scott (Annette) of Harmony; two daughters, Dawn (Jerry) Steffes of La Crescent and Heidi (Bill Fishbaugher) Evenson of Canton; four grandchildren: Khala and Angel Funke and Brandy and Ryan Steffes, two step-grandchildren, Michael and Hanna Fishbaugher; two grand-dogs, Finn and Sam; three sisters, Carolyn (Bob) Eidenschink, LeAnne (Dave) Kingsley, and Brenda (Lyle) Kurth, and a brother, Robert (Chris) Evenson.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Richard “Digger”) and his sister (Nancy) and beloved dog, Daisy.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 26 from 5–8 p.m. at Elstad Lutheran Church, rural Lanesboro and one hour prior to services.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27 at Elstad Lutheran Church, rural Lanesboro with Pastor Luther Mathsen officiating. Burial will follow at Elstad Lutheran Church Cemetery. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jerry’s family would like to give a very special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and Harmony Community Healthcare.