Thomas Nathan Everson

Thomas Nathan Everson, 74, was born Jan. 26, 1940, in Slayton, to Rev. Harold and Alfhild (Boe) Everson. He passed on to the next life to be with his Lord Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at his home, after a nearly year-long fight with cancer. 

Tom moved with his family to Dawson, and, later to Zumbrota, where he graduated from high school in 1958. He went on to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield, where he graduated in 1962 with a BA degree in English education. While at St. Olaf, he sang in the Viking Male Chorus, and played football and baseball. He was elected co-captain of the football and baseball teams his senior year. In pursuit of his masters degree, he attended classes at the University of Minnesota, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., Bemidji State, and in 1969, he finished his MST degree in English education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

His English teaching/coaching career began in Madison, Minn., in the fall of 1962. He married his college sweetheart, Mary Ellen Davies, in Jackson, on June 15, 1963. While she was teaching in Minnetonka, Tom enrolled in graduate school at the U of M. He then took a teaching/coaching position in Columbia Heights, where he taught English and coached football and baseball at Columbia Jr. High School until 1970. He and his family then moved to Rochester, where he accepted a teaching/coaching position at John Marshall High School. He taught high school English and coached football and baseball at JM until his retirement in 1998. 

In retirement, Tom kept active teaching in the JM Alternative Ed. Program, and substitute teaching in Rochester; Pine Island and Zumbrota. He also was a longtime driver for Gold Crown Limousine Co. in Rochester, and was the site manager for the Rotary Basketball Tournament for 12 years. He also enjoyed his volunteer baseball coaching in Pine Island for five years. He was a life-long sports enthusiast, and in addition to his coaching career, he enjoyed TV sports programs and especially, the Gophers, Twins, Vikings, small college and high school sports. He was a lifetime member of the Minnesota and State High School Baseball Coaches Associations, the State and National Education Associations, and a longtime member of the Rochester Downtown Quarterbacks Club. 

For most of his life, Tom enjoyed the beauty of Lake Kabekona in northern Minnesota near Walker. The family cabin was built the same year Tom was born and he never missed visiting at least once per summer in his 74 years. It was clearly his favorite vacation spot. The family gatherings, trees, lake, breeze, fresh air and sunsets, all gave an appreciation for God's creation and greatness. Fishing, hiking, reading and visiting were activities enjoyed at the cabin throughout the years.

His life was a testimony to the grace of God through his Lord Jesus Christ. Tom grew up in the Lutheran church and was a member of Gloria Dei since coming to Rochester. He served on numerous church boards, was active in Men's Bible study, and with his wife, Mary, sang in the church choir. 

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary; son, Dave (Barb) Everson and grandchildren, Abbey and Luke of Savage; and daughter, Laura Everson of Rochester; four brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Everson of Billings, Mont., Hildy Everson Vallevand of Albert Lea, A. Joseph (Susan) Everson of St. Paul, Arne (Ellen) Everson of Cambridge and John (Mary) Everson of Fanwood, N.J.; 10 nieces and nephews. 

Tom was preceded in death by parents, Rev. Harold and Alfhild Boe Everson; brothers-in-law, Art Vallevand and Richard Davies.

A reviewal will be held Monday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel, 1624 37th St. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. N.W., Rochester, MN  55901. Friends may call one hour before the service, and a reception will follow. Interment will be in Lands Lutheran Church Cemetery, Minneola Township, Goodhue County.

Memorials are suggested to JM High School, St. Olaf College Athletic Departments, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research.

Friends may share a memory at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.