Chellis Evanson Jr.

Chellis Nathaniel Evanson Jr, age 91, long time resident of Brainerd, MN, passed away Wednesday April 2 in Eau Claire, WI surrounded by family. Chell was born June 27, 1922 in Decorah, IA to Dr. Chellis and Ruth Evanson Sr. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1940 and from Luther College in 1943. After graduating from Luther College he worked for the US Employment Services in Denver, CO for several years. He returned to the Midwest to take up teaching and he earned a Masters Degree at the University of Iowa in 1953. He met his wife, Audrey M. Evanson (Robinson), of 54 years, at Bagley were they were both teachers. Chell and Audrey were married August 17, 1952. Chell later taught for the Brainerd Public School system for 16 years. Chell retired from teaching in 1973 and began a career as a realtor selling lake shore real-estate in the Brainerd area. He retired from real-estate in 1987.

Chell was long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was an active member. He was a member of the Elks for over 60 years and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Chell loved to serve and entertain others, especially children. He was known as Grandpa Chell to many. For nearly 30 years Chell and his family were able to enjoy many summers at Crosslake, MN. In 1988 Chell and Audrey sold their cabin and began traveling the world. They visited 17 countries together. From the winter of 1991 thru winter 2006, Chell and Audrey spent their winters as Snow Birds in Green Valley, AZ. In the most recent years Chell enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren, especially Ruthie. Chell also enjoyed traveling, golfing, playing cards and helping others.

Chellis N. Evanson is survived by his daughter Kay Evanson of Eau Claire, WI; granddaughter Kara (Chris) Wensink, of Eau Claire, WI; great-grandghildren Ruthie Wensink and Isaiah Wensink of Eau Claire WI; and sisters Marilyn (Arnold) Veglahn of St. James MN, and Beth Kabat of LaCrosse, WI. Chellis is preceded in death by his wife Audrey Evanson, and parents Dr. Chellis Evanson Sr. and Ruth Evanson.

Funeral service will be held at 11AM, Saturday April 12, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Vaale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Eyes that See (A humanitarian origination serving children in Ethiopia) or the Lakes Area Humane Association.