Dr. Gregory Evensen

Greg was born in DeKalb, Ill., on March 10, 1950, the son of Robert and Elizabeth “Betty” (Edwards) Evensen. Due to his father’s Air Force career, the family moved to various locations. He attended Escanaba Public Schools, Appleton Schools in Wisconsin, and graduated from Olathe, Kan., in 1968.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Baker University in 1972, a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the International University Kansas City, Mo. and London, England, in 1980, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Michigan University in 1997.

Greg’s varied career included an appointment to the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent in 1974. He worked as a Kansas State Highway Patrol Trooper and was the last city marshal in Chase, Kan. He earned the highest medal for valor in Kansas history presented by Kansas Governor Bennett after a roadside rescue in 1975.

Along with his law enforcement career, Greg worked in the field of education and administration. In 1978, he worked as an assistant professor at Mid-America Nazerene University in Olathe, taught for both Northland Pine Schools in Eagle River, Wis., and West Iron County Schools in Iron River. He was an administrator for Wakefield Township Schools’ principal/superintendent and an Assistant Principal at Bates Elementary School. He retired in 2013 from West Iron County Schools. Some of his favorite events included: leading the West Iron marching band on the football field, the Iron River parades and Memorial Day services. Greg was an accomplished vocalist who performed professionally in Europe and in sacred music concerts across America. His last professionally contracted appearance was with the Kansas City Symphony. He was involved in founding several U.S. Constitution groups and believed deeply in freedom, individual rights, and the Second Amendment.

He married Yvonne Smith on Oct. 20, 1980, in Escanaba. She preceded him in death in 1999. Greg married Elizabeth Donalds on Dec. 30, 2000, at the Assembly of God Church in Kingsford.

In summing up his life, he recently said, “God has given me a wonderful life with many exceptional experiences. He has blessed me with some small talents that I tried to use for His glory. I never amounted to much, but my family certainly has. I have wonderful children that I am very proud of, and Jesus Christ was first in my life. That’s what really mattered.”

According to his wife Liz, “Greg, my dear husband and best friend has been welcomed to heaven. He has fought the good fight, completed his mission, and his work on earth is done. His legacy will live on in our hearts and minds, never to be forgotten.”

Greg is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Benjamin Evensen of Eagle River, Jessica (Kristopher) Villarreal of Olathe, Rachael (William) Wagner of Rapid River, Nathan (Ashley) Anderson of Gladstone, and Jessica (Brandon) Eden of Peshtigo, Wis.; one brother, Jeff (Marie) Evensen of Kimberly, Wis.; one sister, Pamela Pray of Appleton; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Greg was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; his parents, Robert and Betty; his sister, Nancy Evensen; his step-father, Ken Oskar; and his brother-in-law, Jim Pray.

Visitation will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the spring.

Condolences to the family of Dr. Gregory Evensen may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.