Jay Evenson

Jay Evenson, 97, of Webster, SD passed away on Friday September 4, 2020 at Bethesda Home in Webster. Private funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday September 9, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church and will be live-streamed on our Facebook page. Pastor Michael DeKraai will officiate. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and those in attendance are asked to wear a mask. Burial will be at Hosanger Cemetery, Webster. Walk through visitation will be Tuesday September 8 from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Jay Keith Evenson was born on March 25, 1923 to Louie and Martha (Lundby) Evenson at Webster, South Dakota. The family made their home on a farm in Highland Township, Day County, south of Webster. He was baptized at St. Pauli Lutheran Church and confirmed at Lily Lutheran Church. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Webster High School in 1941. After high school, Jay farmed the land homesteaded by his grandfather, Lars Evenson, a Norwegian immigrant. On June 20, 1948 he married Selma Holland at Tabor Lutheran Church near Webster. After their marriage the couple made their home on the family farm. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served in various positions, including Council President. He was a member and officer of the Farm Bureau and was a leader of the Highland Lads and Lassies 4-H club. He held several positions within the township and was very active in community affairs. He and Selma traveled to most of the 50 United States and visited several countries in Europe. He enjoyed following Minnesota Twins baseball, playing cards and visiting with friends and family. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa. Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Selma of Webster, daughter Joan Texley and husband, Dan of Sioux Falls and their children Aaron and Christa; son Wayne and wife, Andrea of Parker, CO and their children, Keith and Grant, and daughter Laura Harber and husband, Dennis of Leavenworth, KS.; Five great grandchildren; and a step-brother, Rev. Darrel Lundby and his wife Joanne of Spokane, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and son Lowell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. John’s Lutheran Church 820 Main Street Webster, SD 57274.