Frank D. Evans, of Mora, passed away November 30, 2014. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5th at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 536 Union Street South, in Mora and on Saturday, December 6th an hour before the service. The Celebration of Frank’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6th at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mora.
Francis “Frank” David Evans, son of Ralph and Florence (Tiffany) Evans, was born in Shullsburg, WI, September 9, 1944. Frank was the youngest of three boys. He attended Shullsburg grade school until his fourth grade year. His family later moved to White Pine, MI when his father got a job in the copper mines. Frank graduated from Ontonagon High School in Ontonagon, MI, in 1962. After graduation, Frank enlisted in the US Navy. He served as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician from 1962 to 1965, when he was honorably discharged. In 1965, Frank married Shannah Hallstrom. They were married for 31 years and had two daughters, Lisa and Ann. In 1996, Shannah passed away from cancer.
Frank received an undergraduate degree from Bethel College in 1973 and a Masters of Education from St. Thomas in 1974. He then felt the Lord’s call to ministry and attended Bethel Seminary, graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 1977. Throughout 27 years, Frank served in ministry to First Baptist Church of Litchfield, MN, Princeton Baptist Fellowship of Princeton, MN, Elim Baptist Church of Chicago, IL and Lakeside Baptist Church of Duluth, MN. He retired from the ministry in 2004. Frank married Nancy (Blake) Salmonson in 1999. He was blessed to gain Nancy’s two daughters Jenna and Keri.
Frank enjoyed golf, motorcycle trips, breakfast with “the guys”, attending grandkid’s sporting events and birthday parties, and going on road trips with Nancy. Most of all, Frank was passionate about Christ’s saving grace and it was his desire that all would come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
Frank passed away on Nov. 30, 2014, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph and Floyd, and (first) wife, Shannah. Frank is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters LisaMarie (Nathan) Johnson of Pine City, Ann (Brad) Cox of Long Island, Kansas; two stepdaughters Jenna (Jeff) Holmseth of White Bear Lake, Keri Salmonson (fiancé Josh Bloyer) of St. Paul; 12 grandchildren – Brant, Camden, Jager, Kale, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Kai, Jesse, Jetta, Jordyn, Carter and Braden.
Blessed by you, Frank D. Evans. I picture you perfect and worshipping Jesus relentlessly:)
Nancy,Annie and Lisa,
My Pastor Frank is smiling into the face of Jesus. The coffee pot is on and the people who have gone before him (including my parents Doris and John Johnson) are gathered to Praise The Lord. Love this family sooooo much. Bless his memory and there is no more suffering here. He has his new body. I cannot promise our attending because Don had a bad fall and has a broken neck. Will have to see.
Nancy, Lisa, Annie, Jenna and Keri and families,
Frank was a godly man. I have so much fun memories of Frank, ( your mom, Shannah) and you girls when we went to Michigan for our youth group for church.. He was so happy and love life to the fullest! Thank you for sharing Frank with us other kids at church when you were little! He is truly happy and in peace now. God has a beautiful angel with him again.. so many angels up there. Remember to keep the memories going with your children and their children… Frank is truly living in all of us!! Praise God that Frank is no PAIN FREE.. and in the Mansion in the Sky!!! Praying for all of you, and that God’s comforting arms keeps holding you through these days as you tell Frank how much you love him and miss him. Love you all…
Frank shared the passion of all great reformers! Our early discussions all come to mind as I write this!! Blessings upon all who will miss him now! Jeff
It was a very wonderful thing to be married by your Future Brother in law. He had such a Dry sense of humor and when we first went to talk to him about marrying us I thought he would not marry us. He said we were too different to get married (from the questionnaire we filled out),but he would take a risk. I am so glad he did because through the years I have been so blessed to be part of this family. Lisa, Ann, Nancy Keri and Jenna my heart goes out to you. We will really miss him.
Love you,
Uncle Brad and Auntie Mary Hallstrom
A man instrumental in helping build my faith foundation. I struggle attending funerals but this is one I wish that I could attend. Praying for all of you.
Nancy,
I miss my friend. I’m so glad you were part of his life. He fought the fight and kept the faith and there is now a crown of righteousness for him. May the Lord give you strength in his absence.
Blessings,
Ron Saari
Our sympathies to Frank’s family. He and Shannah were a big part of Lakeside Baptist Church.
We are praying for your family from Burma.
Anne and Lisa, my mind is full of all the wonderful times we had with your parents and you girls. What a blessing they were to our family.
I was sadded when I heard about your Dad. We are earth are filled with sorrow but those in heaven are rejoycing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna and Bob
Dear Nancy, Lisa, Ann, and other members of the family,
The words of this hymn have been running through my mind this afternoon as I think of Frank and all of you. How wonderful to know that Jesus does care, and that He is with each one of you in this time of grief:
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Praying that you will continue to be embraced by His comfort,
Joyce Killmer
So grateful for the legacy of faith that Frank left in his grandchildren. I see his influence and love for Jesus in Brant, Camden, and Kale! I see it radiating out of Ann!