|
|
Ray was born on September 1, 1924, at Troy, SD, to John and Agnes (Osterkil) Evjen. He was the fourth of nine children and grew up through the hard times of the 30’s and 40’s. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran church in Troy. He attended Troy school thru the eighth grade at which point he was needed at home to help with the farming. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and was stationed in Korea. His assignment ended early because he was needed at home to care for his parents and manage the family farm.
On September 2, 1951, Ray married Evangeline Sundstrom. They raised six children, moving only once, one and a half miles north from the family farm near Troy, to the Aronson farm, which was home for 25 years. The family made time for ball games in the front yard and many fishing trips. Eva met the Lord on May 25, 1983, and Ray continued farming until he retired in 1989.
Ray married Phyllis Schultz in November of 1989 at Stockholm, SD. He and Phyllis were active in the Elim Covenant Church. They took many bus tours and were able to enjoy many interesting sights around the country. Ray was also active in the Historical Society by spending much time building up the ag museum in Stockholm. He enjoyed reassembling equipment that he had run when he was younger. Phyllis passed away on February 1, 2006.
On August 6, 2006, Ray married Marillyn Skolrud at Elim Covenant Church in Stockholm, SD. They spent many hours enjoying each other’s musical talents. Marillyn played the piano and Ray was either playing the mouth organ or singing the old songs that both knew so well. In February 2013, Marillyn entered Prairie Crossings Assisted Living and Ray continued to live at home until health issues brought him to Jenkins Living Center.
Throughout Ray’s lifetime, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. He also enjoyed wood carving, jigsaw puzzles and visiting with family and friends. Ray also had a love of history.
Ray is survived by his wife, Marillyn, of Watertown; six children: Daniel (Paula) Evjen, Edgewood, WA, Elaine (Glen) Koch, Sioux Falls, Lois Harrington, South Shore, Ardis Evjen, Watertown, Mary (Bobby) Kinder and Kenneth (Rachel) Evjen, Stockholm; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Evjen, Lake Mills, IA; one sister, Vivian Larsen, Watertown; Marillyn’s family; Phyllis’ family; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two wives; two brothers, Lloyd and Loyal; and four sisters: Adelle, Helen, Ruth and his twin, Nordis.
Picture came from: Mary
Date of picture: Unknown
Front row: Ray
This is a short description of this picture. Try clicking on the picture with your mouse and it should get bigger.
Picture came from: Dan
Date of picture: 1989
Front row: Raynard
This is a short description of this picture. Try clicking on the picture with your mouse and it should get bigger.
Picture came from: Dan
Date of picture: 1946
Front row: Raynard
This is a short description of this picture. Try clicking on the picture with your mouse and it should get bigger.
 |