Wayne Evens
PEORIA - Wayne Carl Evens passed away peacefully Sunday, April 16, after a short battle with cancer surrounded by his loving and supportive family.
Wayne was born May 12, 1942, in Vinton, Iowa, to Fay and Florence Evens. His parents and one sister, Nadene Evens, preceded him in death,
Wayne is survived by his wife, Sonja Evens; his daughter, Pamela Gombert; two sons, Daren and Chris Evens; three step-daughters, Marcie Phillis, Amy Wolfe and Laura Encino, as well as his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Rita Moore and Dolores Kindler. He will be greatly missed by his family, who loved him dearly, as well as the many students, faculty and friends he has touched over the years. He was our hero, our role model, our friend. He always encouraged those he met to be the best people they could be, and to reach higher and farther than they ever thought possible. He taught us all through his unconditional love.
Wayne asked, before his death, that we all take time to reflect on our relationships with him and remember him at his best. He will live on in us all, and we can honor him by choosing kindness over anger, respect over judgement and love over fear.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in his name may be given to Heartland Clinic, Friends of Central Illinois or to a charity of the donor's choice. Memorials and condolences may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Apr. 21 to Apr. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Evens

Sponsored by Affordable Funeral & Cremation Service - Washington.

9 Entries

Randy Schraier

April 12, 2024

Wayne was a great man and I continue to miss him. He was a wonderful professor and always went the extra mile to make sure that his students had the skills and resources to become great social workers. He was a kind and considerate person and would always be willing to listen and help others. Wayne is never far from my thoughts.

RANDY SCHRAIER

April 12, 2021

I was a social work student at Bradley from 2000-2005 and had the great privilege of having Wayne has my academic advisor. Without his wonderful support I would have never made it. He was an excellent professor and advisor and I will never forget what he did for me. He provided me with the confidence I needed to get through college and become a successful social worker. I am very thankful for all he has done for me and iwll never forget him.

RANDY SCHRAIER

April 12, 2020

Wayne was a great guy and an excellent professor. When I was a student at Bradley, I enjoyed taking his classes and listening to his wonderful lectures. He always made himself available to help students in need and listen to their problems. There hasn't been one day that has gone by where he hasn't crossed my mine. I would not be the person I am today if it hadn't of been for him. I never would have had the confidence to reach my full potential and be successful as a social worker. Wayne, you will always be remembered and I appreciate all you did. Even though it has been years since I graduated, I still remember the great times and laughs that shared in the classroom as well as talking with you in the office. May you continue to rest in peace.

William (Bill) Dennis

December 30, 2017

Wayne and I were best friends in Jr.High School and High School in Marion, Indiana We remained good friends into our Indiana University days. He served as the best man at my wedding.

Wayne was truly a great friend. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and I was so fortunate to have known him. He left a positive mark in this world and we're all better for it. Rhonda and I send our deepest condolences to Sonya.

Randy Schraier

August 12, 2017

I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Wayne Evens. Wayne was my favorite professor at Bradley University. He really believed in my and took the time to help me as I struggled through my career at Bradley University. If it was not for him, I would not be the social worker that I am today. Being a student with many challenges, he never let me give up even when times became tough. He always believed in me and always encouraged me to be the best. He never gave up on me and it is because of him that I am the person I am today. Wayne, I will never forget you and not a day will go by without remembering what you did for me. There will always be a place in my heart for you and your advice that you gave me through the years will continue to encourage me every day. Thanks for being there whenever I needed to talk.

Randy Schraier

August 12, 2017

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Wayne Evens. He was an excellent professor and really made a great impact in my life. As a person with many disabilities, he made it possible for me to believe in myself and help provide me the confidence to be successful in the social work field. Wayne I will never forget you and there will always be a place in my heart for you. If it wasn't for his encouragement, I don't believe that I would be the person I am today. Even when I struggled with other subjects in my academic career, he was always there to lend a guiding hand and would never let me give up. Wayne, you will be missed and every time I get frustrated, I will remember what you did for me and I will look up and smile knowing you are always there for me providing comfort and encouragement. Thank you for being there and always listening. You will surely be missed

Julia Kleinschmit

April 27, 2017

I loved him as a professor when he was at the University of Iowa School of Social Work. I believe I took Theories of Psychopathology from him.

We learned a great deal through his practice stories, including how the way one defines/deals with mental health issues is very subjective, and doesn't always have to include extreme or complicated measures. He told one story about how when he was a young community support worker. Wayne was trying to keep a woman who heard voices stably employed. She was good at getting a job, but not so much at keeping one, because she would start telling people what Zeus, one of her voices, had told her (Zeus was pretty nice) and that would make co-workers and employers uncomfortable, and pretty soon she was out of a job again. Wayne took this to his supervisor who said "Get her a dog. Name him Zeus." Wayne did, and it worked like a charm. She went from being "crazy" and "unpredictable" to being an eccentric dog lover. I told that story to Michelle, a pal of mine who was in a different MSW program. Michelle ended up doing similar work in Seattle. She had a client who had an irrepressible urge to strip down to her underwear. While the woman and her therapist were working on that issue, Michelle was supposed to keep her client employed. Michelle's client liked to clean, so Michelle found a housecleaning job for her. Michelle would drop her off, and then about two hours later, call, to say she was on her way back. By the time Michelle got back, the house would be sparkling and her client dressed again and ready to head off for the next job. When Michelle told me that story, I told her she was brilliant. Michelle said, "No, your teacher was brilliant. I learned it from him, through you."

What a nice ripple he made in just that one case. I am now a member of the faculty of the University of Iowa School of Social Work, and Dr. Evens is still an inspiration for me -- and I tell the Zeus story to MY students.

April 26, 2017

Sonja, I was so saddened to read of Wayne's death. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Please take care of yourself and know that you are in the thoughts of all who know and care about you.
Sharon Tear

Sandra Perry

April 21, 2017

Wayne was a kind and thoughtful man who shared those virtues with his students and colleagues at Bradley University. He was a tireless advocate for others and will be greatly missed.

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