God has called a wonderful man to his Heavenly Home. Vernon "Evie" Evanson passed from this life on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 12:50am at the age of 92. What a beautiful time to meet the face of God!


Vernon Gerald Evanson was born on November 18, 1919 in Lemmon, SD, the oldest child and only son of Richard "Dick" and Sadie (Aure) Evanson. He had two sisters, Delores and Dorothy, both now deceased.


Evie received his education in Lemmon, graduating from Lemmon High School with the Class of 1937. He later attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN for one year. He transferred to the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Degree in Mortuary Science.


Evie returned to Lemmon to work with his father, who owned Evanson's Funeral Home and Evanson's Furniture in addition to operating an ambulance service. This business later became Evanson and Son.


Evie was united in marriage to Olive "Ollie" Hanson at the American Lutheran Church in Lemmon on June 25, 1941. They were blessed with a daughter, Darlene.


On October 31, 1944, Evie was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in France during World War II. He was honorably discharged on July 23, 1946 and then returned to Lemmon. Evie was an avid supporter of the Lemmon community and involved in numerous activities and business ventures in the area. He was an organizing member and served on the Board of Directors of KBJM Radio, Lemmon Livestock Market, and Gregorian Manufacturing. He was involved with the Lemmon Housing Authority, helping to oversee the first HUD elderly housing complex in Lemmon, and a member of the original Lemmon Economic Development Board to revitalize Main Street.


Evie also served on Lemmon's school board and city council, as well as the Lemmon Volunteer Fire Department, Jaycees, and LIONS Club. To many, he was known as "Lion Evie" having joined the Lemmon LIONS Club in April 1949. Serving as president numerous times, he provided the inspiration of the city's Club, having sponsored over 100 new members over the 63 years - a regional record both in recruitment and in number of years served. He was past President of the Lemmon Chamber of Commerce and a member of the VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and West River Shrine Club. He was a member of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association, serving as its president in 1975. He was chosen as the Centennial Grand Marshal because of his extra ordinary commitment to the town he loved. Not only being a local sports fan and supporter, he was also an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.


The Clown Band was one of Evie's most enjoyable ventures. He played the cornet in high school, so this was the catalyst to organize this quirky group of musicians famous for their musical abilities and comical antics. The band of merry clowns marched in parades all over the state and even gained national attention all because he and a small group of business men wanted to bring attention to his beloved little prairie town.


Evie was a long-time member of Calvary Lutheran Church, serving in various capacities as well as singing in the choir for 50 plus years. His faith in God and service were the backbone of who he was.


Evie was a very caring, kind, generous and compassionate man. He admitted that one of his life goals was to give comfort to those suffering the loss of a loved one, a passion he devoted his life to. Many in this area saw his compassion as he served as their funeral director.


Parenting and grandparenting his small lively family was one of Ollie and Evie's greatest joys. His sense of humor and joke playing had no bounds and his thoughtful advice was enormously beneficial. He always had a smile and an accepting way, giving all a sense of confidence and the feeling of his "loving hand".


His retirement in 1986 afforded Evie and Ollie more time for their love of golf, travel, yard work, and spending time with their daughter and family. They especially enjoyed "wintering" in Palm Springs, CA.


Celebrating his life are his wife of 70 years, Ollie, his daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Dick Goebel, Severna Park, MD; three grandchildren, Scott Goebel, Melissa and her husband, Ato Leone, Lindsay-Paige and her husband, Chris Veitenheimer, four great grandchildren, Corena Leone, Dylan and Megan Goebel, and Riley Veitenheimer, and several nieces and nephews.
"Well done my good and faithful Servant."


The Funeral Service for Evie will be held at 11:00am Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon with Pastor Bob Edwards, officiating. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Brattvet- Green American Legion Post #66 of Lemmon.


A Masonic/Family service will be held at 6:30pm on Friday evening at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon. The Visitation will be held beginning at 1:00 on Friday with the family present from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.


Special music will be provided by Eldon and Mary Jean Jensen.


Serving as casketbearers are Scott, Dylan, and Megan Goebel, Lindsay-Paige, Chris, and Riley Veitenheimer, Melissa and Corena Leone. Ron Johnson, Jack Rafferty, Eldon Jensen, and Ray Huber are considered as honorary bearers.


A memorial has been established.