Ronald Evensen

Ronald David Evensen of Milaca, MN passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born on December 2, 1945, in Milaca, MN to Andy and Vera Evensen. The third child of six, Ron was the first in the family to be born in a hospital. From his birth until 1959, home was a one-bedroom log house with no indoor plumbing. Ron enjoyed reminiscing about that log cabin. Ron’s early schooling was at Whitney Brook, a two-room school house in Page Township. He continued on to Milaca High School, but left after finishing eighth grade so that he could work picking rock for Mille Lacs County. He spent his summers working alongside his brothers, Arnold and Andy, putting up hay and digging wells for his grandfather, Ray Oskey, and area neighbors. Throughout his entire life, Ron had a close relationship with all of his siblings.

Ron was passionate about working hard, so as a young adult he moved to the Cities to begin his sheet metal career. In 1966, Ron married Virginia Berhow and together they had four children. They raised their family in Coon Rapids where Ron was active in Boys Scouts, coached softball, and even did a project or two for Camp Fire Girls and Boys. While he loved that life, farming had never really left his heart. So, during the week, he returned to Milaca to farm with his brother Andy, and on weekends he worked full-time at Onan in Fridley. Ron retired from the manufacturing business in 2005 after 33 years with the company. Ron and Virginia then moved up to their land in Milaca where Ron raised miniature horses, chickens, several dogs, and many cats.

Ron (aka Radio Call #1) was an avid hunter with the self-proclaimed nickname The Deer Slayer. He had many, many years of successful hunts with a personal best season on record of five harvested deer. Ron lived for the excitement of the hunting season and was proud to share the woods with his many hunting partners. Most of all, he loved giving his signature, congratulatory handshake after a deer was harvested. If you were lucky enough to receive this handshake, you done good. He shared his passion for the hunt with anyone and everyone who came through his door, loved telling hunting stories, and always welcomed a responsible hunter to his party.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Vera (Oskey); daughter, Susan Marie; son, Michael David; sister, Darlene (Ken) Jorgensen; brothers, Dennis (Donna) and Andy Richard. 

Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virgina; son, James; daughter, Cynthia (Chad) Becker; grandchildren, Liliana and Lucas Becker; brothers, Arnold (Ardelle) and Roger (Janice); sister-in-law, Mary (Packard) Evensen; nieces, Debbie, Darla, Krissy, Kari; nephews, Kory, Aaron, Mark, Tyler and by great nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank all the friends and family who visited Ron over the last year with a special thank you to Brian “The Neighbor” Crotinger and Joan Simonds for their visits and conversations that were near and dear to Ron. Also, thank you to the hospice teams from AccentCare and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion they showed to Ron. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Milaca Legion Post 178 on Wednesday, March 13th from 11AM - 3PM. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00AM with a short service and lunch to follow at noon. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ron’s honor to MNSNAP Spay and Neuter Assistance Program mnsnap.org or your local animal rescue.