Ever L. Andresen

Ever Kolb Andresen, 94, of Parkston, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, September 22, at 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church in Parkston, with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home. Ever was born on March 26, 1931, in Joaquin, Texas, to John and Era (Cox) Holmes. She grew up in Joaquin alongside her four sisters-Irene, Louise, Vivian and Clara.She graduated from Joaquin High School before earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, with a minor in English, from Stephen F. Austin State University. She later pursued graduate studies at South Dakota State University and never stopped learning or encouraging others to do the same. September 17, 1950, she married Basil Kolb, and together they shared the early years of her professional journey. She first worked as an accountant at the University of Texas Dental Branch and later as Director of Food Services at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. Her true calling, however, was in the classroom. She began teaching English and Journalism in Bancroft, South Dakota, and later taught Home Economics and English in Wolsey. In 1977, she began teaching in Parkston, South Dakota, where she would spend the remainder of her career. On December 23, 1978, she married Alan Andresen, and from then until her retirement in 1993, she poured her heart into teaching Consumer and Occupational Home Economics and Career Education at Parkston High School. Ever was deeply committed to her profession and her students. She even coached Trojan Cheer for a year and the squad won Spirit of 6! She served in leadership roles with the South Dakota Vocational Home Economics Association, the American Legion Auxiliary in Parkston, and the Home Economics Division Book Committee. She also helped develop curriculum at South Dakota State University and created classroom programs including abstinence education. Her students and colleagues honored her many times-she was once voted by Levelland College students as "The Individual Who Contributed the Most to the Student Body," and was named an honorary member of both state and regional FHA chapters. Faith, family, and community were at the center of her life. She taught Sunday School, led a Girl Scout troop, and volunteered with the elderly. She loved to read-especially poetry and literature-and also enjoyed fishing, bowling, roller skating, movies, handwork, and cooking for special occasions. More than anything, she loved being with her family and celebrating their milestones. Ever will be remembered as a devoted teacher, a woman of strong faith, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her two daughters, Karla (Jim) Hofer of Parkston, SD,and Laura Boorah of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, John (Beth) Hofer, Joey (Jodi) Hofer, Tasha (Chris) Boorah Freeman; Chad Boorah, Teo (Sweet) Boorah,Mandy Demason, and great-grandchildren, Brock, Ty, Cole, Paige, Kiesha, Keira, Kale,Piper, Eva, William, Samuel and Cara; along with nephews John Owens and Terry Faulk. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents; her husbands, Alan Andresen and Basil Kolb; her grandson, James Basil Hofer; and her four sisters, Irene Yancey, Clara Holmes, Louise Worsham, Vivian Owens, nephew Danny Faulk, niece Brenda Rodriguez and son-in-law David Boorah.