Evelyn Likness

Evelyn Likness, 95, of Webster, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Bethesda Home in Webster.

Her funeral will be 1:00pm Thursday, May 23, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster. https://fb.watch/sn1LZb3_eg/
Burial will be at the Webster Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-7pm Wednesday, May 22, 2024, with a 6:30pm prayer service at the funeral home.

Evelyn Juliet Likness was born, the sixth of seven children, on Saturday, April 27, 1929, to Martin and Minnie (Johnson) McCarlson at the McCarlson family farm in Lynn Township. She was baptized and confirmed at Tabor Lutheran Church near Webster. She attended country school at Greenback #150 and graduated from Webster High School in 1947.

On November 20, 1949, she married Marshall Likness at Tabor Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Minneapolis until 1952, when they returned to Webster and over the next few years, welcomed their three children, Clark, Monica, and Becky. The couple farmed, raised cattle and chickens. Evelyn sold eggs for many years to the Webster locals. Evelyn worked at the Webster Sale Barn Café where she was known for her exceptional cooking and for her famous pies, cookies, and donuts. Evelyn also worked at General Mills in Minneapolis, The Ben Franklin Store and Dakotah in Webster. She also sold Avon to ladies in the area. Evelyn and Marshall owned and operated Likness Auto Sales. The couple celebrated 57 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. 

Evelyn was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was active in the women’s groups, quilting, and taught Sunday school. She was a member of Eastern Star, was a Brownie Scout Leader, and member of the Birthday Club for over 60 years. Evelyn was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and was a member of the Sons of Norway. She was also active in Relay for Life for many years. 

Evelyn enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home with delicious meals, baked goods, and of course, coffee! She also enjoyed singing, dancing, gardening, and canning. Evelyn was known for her huge flower and vegetable gardens. She won many blue ribbons at the Day County Fair for her delicious, canned goods. She also loved spending time at Pickerel Lake. Evelyn was a beautiful, classy, gal of style and enjoyed wearing nice clothing and jewelry. Above all else, Evelyn loved her family and cherished her time with each of them.

Evelyn passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Bethesda Home in Webster, South Dakota at the age of 95 years, and 18 days.

She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her children, Dr. Clark (Gerry) Likness of Watertown, SD, Monica (Jim Collingwood) Likness of Sioux Falls, SD, and Becky (Don) Mahlen of Webster, SD. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kala (Jake) Varellas, Courtney (Jason Benike) Grosek, Sadie (Brandon) Bell, Tara (Jason) Hill, Marcus (Alexis) Mahlen, Dr. Lincoln (Sara) Likness, Dr. Micah (Tabitha) Likness, and Kelsey (Adam) Raml, as well as 19 great grandkids, Hailee and Jerzee Knight, Chase Henning, Bristol and Oaklynn Benike, Hank and Hazel Hill, Brinkley and Briggs Bell, Jack and Miles Mahlen, Kate and Bryn Likness, Grady, Blair, Asher, and Caleb Likness, Corbin and Carson Raml. She will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Sophie, Arnold, Sherman, Marion, Martha, and Gloria.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers for the exceptional care given to Evelyn while she resided at Bethesda Home.