Gary Dale Evers

Gary Dale Evers was born 20 March, 1945 to Percy and Anna (Quiring) Evers in Comfrey, MN. He grew up there on the family farm until August 1958 when the family moved to Browerville, MN. He graduated from Browerville High School in 1964 where he also participated in Varsity football and basketball.
While attending Wadena Technical School for Auto Mechanics his roommate, Tom Vokes of Nevis, invited him home for deer season. It was then that he met Tom's sister, Ann, who not only accompanied them deer hunting but skipped her Senior Prom a few months later so they could go Smelt fishing. Being a smart man and knowing she was The One, the couple married on 17 December, 1966.
After they completed their Technical School courses the couple moved to Nevis in July of 1968. After working as a mechanic at the Texaco in Nevis, he eventually bought the gas station and mechanic shop when the previous owner retired. Gary was a big guy whose heart matched his size. His was the only auto shop in town but people knew they would be treated fairly. "Catch me next week" or "Pay when you can" were not uncommon phrases.
Gary worked for many years as the Nevis School Bus Supervisor maintaining buses, setting up all routes, scheduling buses for extra curricular events, and monitored roads and weather for school closings.
Serving his community included being a member of the Nevis Volunteer Fire Department starting in 1971. He was Assistant Fire Chief from 1979 to 1995, Fire Chief from 1995 to 2003 and retired in 2004. Stopping by to check in with neighbors, some daily, making sure they were doing well was also a friendly habit.
In 1994 changes in the business environment led to the closing of the gas station and moving on to work for RJ Construction for several years and then North State Industries before retiring. Farming was a life long love and the family had a small farm with various livestock and crops grown every year. He enjoyed attending Threshing and steam powered tractor shows and
viewing all kinds of farming equipment around the country.
Hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes and he enjoyed sharing the outdoors with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Gary's greatest accomplishment was as an outstanding father and grandfather. He led by example, loved greatly, and was greatly loved.
He is survived by son Gary J (Kami) Evers of Nevis, daughter Laurie (Martin) of Leonardtown, MD, sister Connie Ibeling of Melrose, MN, brother-in-law Larry Vokes of Anoka, MN, brother-in-law Tom (Bonnie) Vokes of Nevis, sister-in-law Janey (Mike) Hill of Cohasset, MN, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, sisters Barb (Evers) Amundson, Betty Lou Evers, Carol Evers.
An Open House Celebration of Life will be held July 5 from 1-4pm at the home of daughter Laurie, 23460 200th Street, Nevis.
Arrangements by Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Nevis Volunteer Firepersons Relief Association PO Box 184 Nevis, MN 56467