Jerome (Jerry) L. Evan

In Loving Memory of Jerome (Jerry) L. Evan

June 11, 1934 – June 12, 2025

Jerome “Jerry” L. Evan, a devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, and beloved great- and great-great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2025, just one day after celebrating his 91st birthday. Born on the family farm in the heart of Slovak Valley near Connorsville, WI, Jerry’s life was rooted in faith, family, and a deep love for the land and community that shaped him.

The son of Joseph and Anna (Luptak) Evan, Jerry was baptized and confirmed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he remained a lifelong member. A proud 1952 graduate of Boyceville High School, Jerry was a standout athlete who helped lead the school to its first-ever State Championship in the half-mile relay. His competitive spirit and love of team camaraderie carried through his life and were evident in fast-pitch softball games at Carson Park, many seasons with the Hedlund’s slow-pitch softball team, years of service on the Boyceville Fire Department, and late-night Euchre marathons at deer camp in Minong.

Jerry’s life was filled with stories—some legendary, like the Christmas bike discovered in the potato bin, and others simple yet profound, like racing his brothers to flip the switch in the barn after electricity first arrived on the family farm. It was this farm life growing up that forged him into a man of many talents, a true “Jerry of all trades,” including working at Hedlund’s Manufacturing, Keyes Chevrolet, and his favorite role—running a dry-cleaning route where he connected with people across the community.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce (Miller), in 1953, and together they built a life full of laughter, love, and family until her passing in 1999. In 2009, Jerry found love again with Judy (Erickson), and together they shared adventures, teasing banter, and a beautiful second chapter.

Jerry was the proud father of Jeffery, Jody, and Janalyn, and a loving father-in-law to Janell Evan, Joelene Evan, and James Williams. He embraced his family with open arms, including stepchildren Kimberly Erickson and Tom (Jutta) Erickson. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren—Jennifer (Karl), Jarod (Jenna), Justin (Michelle), Joni, Jayde (Aaron), and Jordann (Jake)—and his 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild with two more on the way. They brought him endless joy and pride.

Family was everything to Jerry. From Sunday dinners at Grandma’s to annual summer trips “up north” on Lake Nancy, his life was filled with laughter, games, jokes, and unforgettable memories. He was present at many sporting events, birthdays, or holidays, always showing up with a warm smile, a mischievous spark in his eye, and a cold Busch NA in his favorite koozie. He loved cheering for the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers while occasionally calling out “jughead” plays.

God’s creation provided Jerry a place for quiet and reflection as well as a way to spend priceless time with those he cared about. Deer hunting camp with his brothers, nephews and friends, pheasant hunting with his brothers, sons, grandsons, and the dogs, fishing with his daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughters on the boat at Lake Nancy, going for drives looking for deer with anyone who was up for it, “making wood” with Jeff for winter heat, ice fishing “contests” (a dollar for first fish and biggest fish!) with his friends and family, and bowhunting in a ground blind with Judy resulted in many laughs, stories, and memories for all who were lucky enough to be a part of the experiences. The wild things were never far from Jerry, as he spent countless hours bird watching from his rocking chair, just feet away through the living room window. He was an expert at knowing birds form sight and sound.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Joyce, sons Jeffery and Jody, daughters-in-law Joelene and Barb, stepson Tim, many dear family members, friends, and his faithful dogs. He is survived by his loving wife Judy, daughter Janalyn, and extended family.

In honor of Jerry’s generous spirit and love for his community, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and the Boyceville Bulldogs Booster Club.

Jerry’s life was a testament to hard work, humor, and heart. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville, WI with Pastor Michael Penikis officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Tiffany Cemetery at a later date. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI is serving the family.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com