Celia M Evenson

Celia M. Evenson, 87, of New London, died Thursday, June 11th at Paynesville Health Care Center. Her funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, June 22nd at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. Visitation will be 4-6:00 pm, Sunday, June 21st at Johnson Funeral Home in New London and continue one hour prior to her service at the church. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London, www.hafh.org 

Celia Marlene Evenson was born on April 20, 1939, to Arthur and Rosina (Steinberg) Kraetzner in Bruno, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm near Bertha, MN, she was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Bertha High School in 1957. She continued her education at Concordia College, graduating in 1961. Celia taught third grade in Long Prairie for three years. She worked as a substitute teacher occasionally at other times in her life.

On June 15, 1963, Celia was united in marriage to Gerald Evenson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bertha. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Wendy and Jill. The couple made their home on Gerald’s family dairy farm near Belgrade, where Celia devoted herself to raising their children and caring for their home.

Celia taught Wendy and Jill piano lessons for several years before finding other teachers. After their daughters were out of the house, Celia started working for Presbyterian Family Foundation. In 1996, they sold the farm and moved to their home near New London.

Celia and Gerald were active members of Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer. Throughout the years, Celia served the congregation as a member of the mission committee, a deacon, an elder, choir member, and volunteer for the Care Pantry. In addition to teaching Christian education classes, she provided 1:1 reading assistance to children for several years. Another cherished experience was participating in a mission trip to Alaska.

Celia enjoyed traveling and camping with her family. Later in life, Celia and Gerald joined a camping club. Celia continued using her RV through 2025. Other hobbies included reading, writing devotion books, playing cards and board games, attending family events, getting together with neighbors and friends, and feeding and watching birds. 

Celia faithfully cared for Gerald throughout his illnesses. She remained healthy herself until she was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2026.

Celia is survived by her daughters: Wendy (Tim) Beard of Minnetonka and Jill (Mike) Fugleberg of Alexandria; grandchildren: Emily (Noah) Key, Devin Fugleberg, Cassie (fiancé, Jake Mundt) Fugleberg and their son, Grayson and; she is also survived by her sister, Annette Stange; and nephews: Brian Stange and Darrel (Lisa) Stange.

She was preceded in death by her parents: husband, Gerald; granddaughter, Ashley Beard; brother-in-law, Donald Stange; and nephew-in-infancy: Bradley Stange.   

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