Kay I. Evenson

Beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt Kay, “Auntie Kay”, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Emplify Health in La Crosse, November 26, 2025.

Kay was born in Whitehall, to Orrin and Agnes Evenson, October 26, 1956. When she was a newborn in the hospital, siblings weren’t allowed to visit, so Orrin snuck her big brother, Richard Evenson, up the fire escape so they could peek at her and mom through the window.

Kay grew up in the Whitehall area where her early life was spent on their dairy farm before moving to town in 1965. She attended Luther College after high school graduation and graduated from UW-EC with a teaching degree in Special Education. Her first teaching job was in Winona, MN. Kay went on to work as a care giver for developmentally disabled adults in the Trempealeau County area.

Kay was exceptional at caring for others which she did while caring for her aging parents. At that time, she also worked at The Draft Horse Inn in Arcadia as a night clerk. She became an expert at folding fitted sheets. After many attempts to teach us, she will remain the only expert.

Other claims to fame are her remarkable sandbakkel baking skills and her love of solving all kinds of puzzles & crosswords, and embroidery. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her embroidered tea towels, she would rather you put them to good use than save them. 

Her greatest joy in life was her family, including her brother Richard; sister-in-law, Natalie; nephew and niece, Andy (Kristin) Evenson and Katie (Andy) Bilski. She spent many hours hunting for treasures to gift to her great-nephews and nieces: Brennan, Addison, Olive, Porter, Evelyn, Ashlyn (Hunter), and Odin. She also enjoyed visits reminiscing with her many first cousins and their children as well. 

Kay’s last act of unselfish kindness was to donate her organs to others in need. We were very proud to be able to help her final wishes be realized.

If you are inclined to do so, please consider becoming an organ donor yourself. 

Goodbyes are not forever. It simply means we will miss you until we meet again.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Eleva Lutheran Church with Pastor Karen Ressel officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Eleva is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.