Eldred "Buck" Evenson

Eldred “Buck” Evenson, age 79, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on February 15th, 2025, after receiving compassionate care from the BRU unit at the VA hospital in Minneapolis. Buck was born in Drayton, North Dakota. He was the youngest of eight children of Oscar Severin and Marjorie Jean (Long) Evenson. He was raised in Drayton and later graduated from Crookston High School, MN, where he played high school football.

In 1965, Buck was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Penny Carrico at the A & W drive-in in Grafton. On their first date, they went for a drive to the local theater in Penny’s convertible, marking the beginning of a beautiful love story. Buck and Penny were married in Grafton in 1969 and then moved to St. Louis Park, MN. Their family grew with the birth of their daughters, Jenny and Heather, and eventually they settled in Brooklyn Center, MN where they built a lifetime of memories.

Buck worked in construction as an ironworker for over 30 years for the Ironworkers Union Local 512. But many people knew him from one of his true passions, coaching fastpitch softball. His love for the sport came from his daughters. Jenny’s interest in wanting to play softball ignited the spark in Buck’s eye. He spent countless hours working with both girls and developing Heather into a pitcher. Volunteering his time, working with softball players led him to become a great and knowledgeable coach with an expertise in pitching. He coached not only his own daughters but countless others, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. His commitment never wavered; he coached until his final days.

Family was everything to Buck. He made the time for all his family members and never missed an event for his daughters or grandkids. Buck had a great love of his siblings as well, and often bragged about them and their many talents. His favorite boys were his grandsons, who lit up his life. If you wondered where Papa was, it was out in the yard playing ball with Caleb and Bennett. Whether it was a family road trip, a milestone celebration, or just a regular day, he made sure to be there for his family. 

Beyond the softball field, Buck found joy in his grandsons, deer hunting, fishing at Lake of the Woods, and taking car drives with his beloved wife, Penny. His devoted love, generous spirit, dancing skills and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Buck will forever be missed by his loving wife of 55 years, Penelope Evenson; children, Jennifer (Michael) Kimball, Heather Evenson; grandchildren, Caleb Kimball, Bennett Kimball; sister, Leona Edblom; sister in laws, Delores Evenson and Joan Evenson, many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Suri.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Marjorie Evenson; brothers, George Darrel Evenson, Robert Evenson and James Evenson; sisters, Patricia Anderson, Geraldine Evenson, Marlys Evenson and Gloria Nelson, and brother-in-laws, Charles Harris Anderson, Dale Edblom and Norman Nelson.

A time of gathering will be held in Bucks’s honor on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Shakopee (833 Marschall Rd.) from 5-7pm. Buck’s Celebration of Life will be on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior (301 County Rd 19) at 11am. Prior to the Celebration, there will be time for visitation from 10-10:45am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated by the family in memory of Buck.