Evonne Pedersen Obituary

Evonne Kay Pedersen, aged 75, died on February 23, 2025 from complications caused by Alzheimer's Disease which was first diagnosed in 2018. Evonne was born on July 16, 1949 in Webster, S.D. to Dr. Merle K. and Fern M. Loken. Evonne grew up in Minneapolis and attended Kenwood Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School and West High School graduating in the Class of 1967. She received her B.A. degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1972.
Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, she worked as a pre-school teacher, model and interior designer. In 1976, she met Jim Pedersen in a chance encounter near her parent's home in Kenwood. After a lengthy long-distance courtship in the era of stamps and letters, she moved to Brussels in 1977 to be closer to Jim who was practicing law in Brussels for the Twin Cities firm of Oppenheimer, Wolff & Donnelly. They were married on February 18, 1978 at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Evonne was an elegant and beautiful woman both inside and out and most often the best dressed woman in the room. Her most striking feature was her incredible smile which radiated happiness and love to all she met. Her laughter was infectious and her joyful spirit even more so. Her positivity would spread to all in her presence making it hard to be in a bad mood around her. Even as her disease progressed, the staff at the Wealshire could coax her into flashing her trademark radiant smile. One staffer said "my reward at work is one of Evonne's smiles."
But she was first and foremost a mother and grandmother. She devoted herself to raising three wonderful children, Lauren, Kirsten and Dane, and especially demonstrating to her daughters what it was to be a loving mother. She was the prized Nana to four grandchildren, and she loved them dearly. She also loved to travel, and she and Jim traveled extensively throughout Europe both during their times living in Brussels (1977-1980) and London (2005-2008) and from their home base in the Twin Cities.
She was a woman of quiet faith. She participated in Bible Study Fellowship for six years and delighted in serving in the various churches she attended including teaching Sunday school, playing in the bell choir, serving communion and participating in church women's groups. She was compassionate and caring, whether her compassion was for her neighbors or for children in Africa and India she sponsored through World Vision and other organizations. Her favorite mealtime prayer always ended in an admonition to never forget the hungry, the deprived, those suffering and the downtrodden.
Evonne was a good friend to many and she treasured her friendships whether formed in her childhood in Minneapolis or later in life during her years in Brussels and London. Those friendships were nurtured over many years and lasted from the time they were formed until the end of her life.
She valued education, especially education of children. She volunteered often at her children's schools, and also at the Hopkins Early Childhood and Family Education program.
Evonne was preceded in death by parents, Dr. Merle K. and Fern M. Loken; brother Allen Loken, and son, Dane Christian Pedersen. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jim; daughters, Lauren (Mike) Freiberg and Kirsten (Phil) Kenny; sisters, Gwen (Miguel) Bottoli; Lynette (Greg) Hayes; brother, Warren (Sandy) Loken; grandchildren, Rose and Joseph Freiberg and Mikayla and Trip Kenny; sisters-in-law, Ann Pedersen and Kim Loken; and nieces and nephews Troy Loken and Kari Loken; Anthony, Sasha, and Tania Bottoli; Carrie and Elizabeth Gleeson; Heidi Hayes and Wyatt Hayes; and Marissa Girard and Chase Loken.
The family extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the medical and activities staff at the Wealshire Dementia Care facility in Medina for their capable and loving care for Evonne during her slow decline caused by Alzheimer's.
Evonne's memorial service will be held at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN on June 7, 2025 with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send any memorials to the Rise Early Learning Center in Hopkins, MN. http://bit.ly/41nKsuO
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