Jan. 27, 1931 – March 18, 2018
Oscar (Scotty) Vincent Evenson, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Salem on the evening of March 18, 2018.
He was born Jan. 27, 1931 in Sisseton, S.D. to Oscar and Jennie Evenson, the second-youngest of eight children.
A three-sport athlete, he excelled at football, basketball and track for Sisseton High School, graduating in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he served his country during the Korean War as a member of the 196th Regimental Combat Team.
During his time in the service, he wed his high school sweetheart, Arlene Westby. After his honorable discharge from the service, he attended Huron College, where he played football, started a family and earned his degree.
He taught mathematics at the high school level in Veblen, Arlington and Rosholt, S.D. over the course of 14 years, while simultaneously coaching the football, basketball and track programs at each institution.
He became one of the most successful high school football coaches in the state of South Dakota by the time he and Arlene moved their family west to Sweet Home in 1970.
In Sweet Home he continued teaching mathematics, at the junior high level, as well as coaching football, basketball and track until his retirement in 1993.
After a number of years enjoying retirement in Sweet Home, he and his bride moved to Dallas and, eventually, to Salem, to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of nearly 67 years, Arlene, and five children: Julie Vollmer, Holly Evenson, Lori Samuels (Jeff), Scott Evenson (Mary) and Carolee Evenson. He also has 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Fishing, hunting, golfing and playing cards are just a few of the passions Scotty had throughout his amazing life.
His biggest passion of all, however, was sharing time with family and friends. He always enjoyed a good laugh and never struggled with saying “I love you” when you needed to hear it most.
He was a wonderful father, husband and friend. We will carry his memory in our hearts forever.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 28 at Virgil T Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial St. SE, Salem.