Obituary - Russell J. "Uncle Russ" Evans

Russell J. "Uncle Russ" Evans, 83, passed away at his residence due to natural causes Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.

Cremation has taken place, and vigil services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, with Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, all at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Russell's family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, the Havre Youth Baseball Association, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Russell's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Russell was born July 11, 1934, in Wanda, MN, to George and Gertrude (Olson) Evans. He was raised in Wanda until he was 12, when he went to work on his uncle's farm. During his high school years, Russell lived with his Grandma Olson and attended high school in Lamberton and Sanborn. In 1952, Russell entered the U.S. Navy, and served until his honorable discharge in 1955. He married Kay Driscoll in 1957, and the couple made their home in Havre, where they raised their four children.

Russell worked hard his entire life, he owned a Charolais cattle ranch in the Bear Paws for several years, he opened his retail clothing store Russell Evans for Men in 1970 and operated it until 1983 when he sold it and purchased The Gallery Lounge, which he still owned at the time of his passing.

Russell enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards. He was a supporter of local athletics, and watched the Blue Ponies, North Stars, Northern Lights, and Skylights every chance he got. He was instrumental in establishing the Legion Baseball Program in Havre, and was a sponsor for numerous sports teams for 40 years. He also exhibited the original entrepreneurial spirit, simply knowing he could succeed at whatever he tried. The strength and grace he demonstrated in his illness, was a testament to the truly wonderful man he was. Russell cherished his wife Kay; and adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He put his family first, and taught each of his children to do the same. He was also the family social coordinator, providing his family many opportunities for time together.

Russell served on many boards and was member of many organizations over the years including, Havre Elks Club, Havre Optimist Club, Hill County Wildlife, Walleyes Unlimited, First Security Bank, and Havre International Fastpitch Tournament to name a few. He was a talented fundraiser and served on many fundraising drives though the years in the community.

He was preceded in death by his son Scott Evans; granddaughter Shaina Evans; parents, George and Gertrude Evans; and brothers Lewis, Kenneth, Dave, and John Evans.

Russell is survived by Kay Evans of Havre, his wife of 60 years; his daughter, Kim (Cal) Wirtzberger of Havre; his sons Russell (Lynnie) Evans, Jr. and Gary (Linda) Evans, all of Kalispell; his eight grandchildren, Dan (Katie) Wirtzberger, Patrick (Shantell) Wirtzberger, Dillon Evans, Josh Dusterhoff, Tyler Evans, Kelsey Grippentrog, Nikki Evans, and Kallie Evans; his great-grandchildren, Tripp, Blake, and Jett Wirtzberger, Brantley and Tenley Wirtzberger, Harrison Evans, and Kaden Manley; his brothers Bob (Cheryl) Evans of Havre, Rick (Deb) Evans of Great Falls, Chuck Evans of Bloomington, MN, and George (Ceil) Evans of Missoula; sisters-in-law, Dixie (Dave) Evans, Judy (Ken) Evans and Sandy (John) Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews.