Memorial Service for Richard A. Evenson, 81, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 1:25 P.M. at the Family Life Assembly of God Church, Sisseton, SD with Pastor Vern Donnell officiating. Organist will be Sarah Aadland with special music by Holly Anderson, Pat Schubert and Amelia Evenson. Honorary urn bearers will be Richard's nieces and nephews. Inurnment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD with Military Honors by Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Ft. Sisseton VFW Post # 3342. Visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 2022 starting at 5:00 P.M. with a prayer and time of sharing service at 6:25 P.M. at the Family Life Assembly of God Church, Sisseton, SD. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Allen Evenson was born May 25,1940 to Orville & Annie (Vassen) Evenson in Sisseton, SD. He grew up in Roberts County, Bossko Township and attended grades 1-8 at Bossko #3. During his high school years he stayed in town at his Aunt Carrie Feigum's home and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1958.

Richard worked for his best friend Rubin Vasend on the farm as well as at Rubin's TV during his high school years. After high school he went to Minneapolis and worked with his brother Merle at a lumber company.   He was drafted and served in the United States Army September 1963 to September 1965 during which time he served a year in Thailand. After discharge from the Army he moved to Rapid City and worked for Black Hills Chemical. Richard returned to Sisseton to work for Rubin on the farm. It was during this time he met June Clott and they were married November 25, 1967. Three children were born to this union: Greg, Mike and Sherilyn.

After they were married Richard and June lived in Anoka, MN for nine months where he worked for Fold-a-Side Door Co. They returned to Sisseton in August 1968 to help his father on the farm after his mom passed away.   Richard continued to farm the homestead until 1977 at which time he and his brothers purchased a dairy farm where they milked cows and farmed until 1994. Richard then worked for South Dakota Tourism at the Wilmot Information Center for 10 years. He enjoyed visiting with travelers who stopped to take a break. No one was a stranger to him. He drove bus #7 for Sisseton Public School for 19 years. Kids were attracted to Richard and many of them would stop to say "hi" telling him "You were my best bus driver."

Richard was a member of Family Life Assembly of God Church in Sisseton, SD. He served on the board and building committee. He was active as church treasurer, SS teacher, and men's ministry. Richard and June taught 3-5 year olds for many years. The kids loved to give him bear hugs while they sat on his lap and he colored with them. Over the years he always enjoyed coffee with his buddies.   He cherished spending time with his family and friends. Fishing trips to Canada with his buddy Rubin were some of his best memories. It was during one of those trips they convinced him he should ask June to marry him so the rest is history. Richard has been a member of the American Legion Otto-Quande-Renville Post #50 for 38 years.

Richard is survived by his wife, June; children, Greg (Maryann) Evenson & grandsons Graysen, Lawren & Garett of Sisseton, SD, Mike (Wendy) Evenson & granddaughter Amelia of Meridian, ID and Sherilyn Evenson of Meridian, ID; two exchange students, Sebastian Hansig of Germany and Kie Suzekane of Japan; Brothers, Glen (Kitty) Evenson of Summit, SD, Jim (Emilyn) Evenson of Sisseton, SD, Dennis (Jane) Evenson of Clear Lake, SD and Keith (Kathy) Evenson of Zimmerman, MN; Step-sister, Joyce Simonson of Sisseton, SD; Sister-in-law, Ruth Evenson of Loveland, CO; and many nieces & nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Merle Evenson & Edward & (Lois) Evenson; sister, Annette & (Andy) Anderson; step-mother Leta Evenson; step-brother Dwight Johnson & niece Charity Evenson.

Special thanks to Tekakwitha Living Center for the wonderful care and attention Richard received while he was there. You are all amazing and greatly appreciated. Thank you to Prairie Lakes Hospice nurses who met his needs as well as the family's over the last few weeks.

Memorials may be given to Family Life Center, Gideons, or Tekakwitha Living Center.