Richard Scott Evenson

Richard Scott Evenson, known to most as Rick, was born on May 19th, 1959, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to Maxine (Christopherson) and Gerald Evenson. A lifelong resident of Pelican Rapids, Rick was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He grew up in a lively home, surrounded by the love and companionship of his nine siblings.

Rick met Denise Dahl in the fall of 1976 and asked her to the PRHS Homecoming Dance (“On those same stairs by Mr. Holt’s classroom,” he always said). She accepted, and the rest is history. Denise and Rick were married on September 21st, 1985, at Trinity Lutheran Church. This year marks their 40th Wedding Anniversary.

In 1977, Rick began working alongside his father at Loan Acres Farm. Though the farm originally focused on turkey production, it eventually became a crop and cattle operation; Rick was a cowboy at heart. He lived and worked on the farm all his life, and in time passed along his passion for farming and agriculture to his children. Working closely beside them was one of the great joys of his life.

Rick had a knack for storytelling and could tell a good Ole and Lena joke like nobody’s business. He enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting friends, checking cows, ice fishing, wrestling, football, and snowboarding. He also appreciated the small things in life, such as taking the scenic route home, or heading out on the pontoon to watch thunderstorms roll in.

Above all, Rick was a proud father who supported his children in all their endeavors and cared for their spouses as if they were his own. He had a heart of gold and loved hard. He was kind, dependable, wise, humorous, present, steadfast, and hardworking. Though Rick had a tough exterior, he was gentle and compassionate to his core. Nothing revealed that side of him more than the moments he shared with his grandchildren.

Rick left us suddenly on September 1st, 2025. His absence has been and will be felt deeply by many. Rick blessed us with countless memories and stories that will be cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Nina (Bjerke) and Gilbert Evenson, Frances (Erickson) and Elmer Christopherson, and his parents, Maxine and Gerald Evenson.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Denise, children Dylan (Emily) Evenson, McKale (Claire) Evenson, and Hally (Todd) Brinkman, grandchildren Adelyn, Kenny, Nilton, and Bronson, and siblings Suzanne (Larry) Leabo, Gerry (Jim) Flaig, Kathryn (Bernd) Evenson, Jeanne (Jim) Hovland, John (Carol) Evenson, Charles (Deb) Evenson, Paul (Renee) Evenson, Wesley (Chris) Evenson, and Christopher (Paula) Evenson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

A memorial service will be held for Richard on Tuesday, September 9th at Faith Lutheran Church of Pelican Rapids, beginning with a time of visitation at 12pm, and formal services starting promptly at 1pm. The service will be webcast to closed-circuit television at Trinity Lutheran Church for the attendees who exceed the capacity of Faith Lutheran facility. Anyone who cannot attend can also tune-in remotely on the Faith Lutheran YouTube page.  A time of fellowship will be held at Faith Lutheran Church after the service, and all attendees, at either location, are invited to attend.