Raymond Evanson, 86, of Williston, passed away at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center on Friday morning, April 21, 2023.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
* A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Olaf’s Church in Grenora.
Rev. Josh Parris will officiate. Interment with military rites will be in Grenora Cemetery following the memorial service.
* Friends may view pictures and sign a guest book at Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home in Williston on Thursday, April 27, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and for the hour preceding the service at the church in Grenora on Friday.
Raymond Evanger Evanson was born July 8th, 1936, to Hans Edward and Johanna Patrina (Evanger) Evanson in Schafer, ND. He was raised and educated in the Schafer/Arnegard area, earning his high school diploma from Arnegard School. Ray was never short of stories on his days as an Arnegard Spud. Later, even asking his wife’s hand in marriage, at a basketball game between the Arnegard Spuds, and the Grenora Gophers. Upon graduation Raymond joined the United States Navy, enlisting March 17th, 1955. He was honorably discharged on March 16th, 1959, but remained on standby reserve through September 19th, 1962. Ray was so proud to be a small-town boy from North Dakota, that traveled around the world and was always eager to share naval stories with anyone who would listen.
Raymond worked with the state highway department after his release from the Navy. He later started working in a managerial position with grain elevators throughout eastern Montana, until he found the job that truly was his calling. He began his last and most meaningful and beloved occupation as head custodian and bus driver at Grenora Public School. He took immense pride in the cleanliness and appearance of the school and school grounds. But beyond the building laid his most treasured love…..the kids. Ray loved each and every kid that walked the halls of GHS. There was never a bad kid in Ray’s eyes. He had many stories that he lovingly told throughout the years about many kids that touched his heart. And we believe that he also touched many kids’ hearts throughout his time at GHS also. He had many friendships throughout the years at the school. But his most constant companions were Mr. Norby, Ernie Haven, Sylvia Haven and Nora Schroeder. Ray is most remembered walking the school hallways whistling, with his keys jingling and a coffee mug in his hand.
Raymond married JoAnn Moorhead Oct. 7th, 1961. From this union four children were born, Scott, Michael, Lisa and Tricia.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn, his son Michael (Laurie) Evanson, his daughters Lisa (Kim) Brodersen and Tricia (Chris) Laducer all of Williston, brothers Hans (Joyce) Evanson, James (Bonnie) Evanson of Livingston, MT, brother-in-law James (Carol) Moorhead of Michigan, ND, 13 grandchildren and 25 (soon to be 26) great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Raymond in death is his first-born son Scott Evanson, his parents Hans and Johanna Evanson, his brothers baby Edward, Jerome, Vendel, Orville and Gaylord Evanson and his sisters Elena Njos, Helen Eiken and Hazel Holo.
Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Raymond or leave condolences for his family.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Raymond Evanson hosted by Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Raymond Evanson, 86, of Williston, passed away at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center on Friday morning, April 21, 2023.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
* A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Olaf’s Church in Grenora.
Rev. Josh Parris will officiate. Interment with military rites will be in Grenora Cemetery following the memorial service.
* Friends may view pictures and sign a guest book at Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home in Williston on Thursday, April 27, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and for the hour preceding the service at the church in Grenora on Friday.
Raymond Evanger Evanson was born July 8th, 1936, to Hans Edward and Johanna Patrina (Evanger) Evanson in Schafer, ND. He was raised and educated in the Schafer/Arnegard area, earning his high school diploma from Arnegard School. Ray was never short of stories on his days as an Arnegard Spud. Later, even asking his wife’s hand in marriage, at a basketball game between the Arnegard Spuds, and the Grenora Gophers. Upon graduation Raymond joined the United States Navy, enlisting March 17th, 1955. He was honorably discharged on March 16th, 1959, but remained on standby reserve through September 19th, 1962. Ray was so proud to be a small-town boy from North Dakota, that traveled around the world and was always eager to share naval stories with anyone who would listen.
Raymond worked with the state highway department after his release from the Navy. He later started working in a managerial position with grain elevators throughout eastern Montana, until he found the job that truly was his calling. He began his last and most meaningful and beloved occupation as head custodian and bus driver at Grenora Public School. He took immense pride in the cleanliness and appearance of the school and school grounds. But beyond the building laid his most treasured love…..the kids. Ray loved each and every kid that walked the halls of GHS. There was never a bad kid in Ray’s eyes. He had many stories that he lovingly told throughout the years about many kids that touched his heart. And we believe that he also touched many kids’ hearts throughout his time at GHS also. He had many friendships throughout the years at the school. But his most constant companions were Mr. Norby, Ernie Haven, Sylvia Haven and Nora Schroeder. Ray is most remembered walking the school hallways whistling, with his keys jingling and a coffee mug in his hand.
Raymond married JoAnn Moorhead Oct. 7th, 1961. From this union four children were born, Scott, Michael, Lisa and Tricia.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn, his son Michael (Laurie) Evanson, his daughters Lisa (Kim) Brodersen and Tricia (Chris) Laducer all of Williston, brothers Hans (Joyce) Evanson, James (Bonnie) Evanson of Livingston, MT, brother-in-law James (Carol) Moorhead of Michigan, ND, 13 grandchildren and 25 (soon to be 26) great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Raymond in death is his first-born son Scott Evanson, his parents Hans and Johanna Evanson, his brothers baby Edward, Jerome, Vendel, Orville and Gaylord Evanson and his sisters Elena Njos, Helen Eiken and Hazel Holo.
Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Raymond or leave condolences for his family.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Raymond Evanson hosted by Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
