Bruce Evans

Bruce Evans, age 85, of Bagley, MN and Fosston, MN, passed away on Saturday, May 25th, at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, MN. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston with Pastor Bill Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Fosston. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday (5th) at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Army Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Bruce Duwayne Evans was born on August 18, 1938, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents John and Esther (Hasselton) Evans. He grew up in Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School in 1956. Following high school, Bruce was a merchant marine on ships in the Great Lakes. 

Bruce entered the United States Army in September of 1961. He received his honorable discharge in September of 1963 and relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he worked at Collins Radio. In 1968, while in Springfield, Iowa, he was walking to his car and was struck by a drunk driver. He suffered a traumatic injury that left him with a long recovery. 

Bruce purchased a place south of Bagley where he operated a sawmill for 15 years. He remembered his days on the Great Lakes and the polluted waters that he encountered. So, at the age of 51, Bruce went to Bemidji State University and majored in aquatic biology. He graduated in 1994 and was immediately hired as an observer, trained in Seattle, Washington, and was sent out to sea. He worked and had many experiences off the coast of Alaska. After his retirement, he returned to his 80 acres south of Bagley. In 2021, he moved in to Bagley.

Bruce was an avid reader and liked to study history. His dog, Shadow, was his constant companion and never left his side.

Survivors include his sister, Madreen Evans of Plymouth, MN; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends; and his friend and caregiver, Merry. Also surviving him is his dog, Shadow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Arlon, Walton, and Winton.