Rodney Evans

Rodney Evans was born in 1951, to Eldon and Anna Jean Evans in Sioux City, Iowa.When Rodney was 3 years old, the family moved to a farm outside Miltona, Minnesota.He grew up farming and working with cows, including helping his family with dairy management. He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria, Minnesota in 1969. With a long-term interest in law enforcement, Rodney attended the Alexandria Area Vocational Technical School in the two year law enforcement program.Upon completion, Rodney enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 1974, he served at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in 1977, he served at the US Embassy in Panama.Rodney met Maria Rosa while they were both working at the US Embassy in Argentina and were married after two years of dating. Upon leaving the military Rodney became a miner for a short time in Leadville, CO, mining molybdenum at the Climax mine. Rodney returned to law enforcement, studied, and became a US Customs Official until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Maria Rosa; daughter, Nicole; son-in-law, Geoffrey Stocking; two grandsons, Sebastian and Benedict; sisters, Karlyn (Paul) Pulst, Linda Evans, Gwen (Marek) Bijan; and brothers, Richard, Kevin (Margaret) and Bryan (Mary): and many nieces and nephews. Rodney was called to heaven suddenly on Christmas Eve day while visiting his daughter, grandchildren, and son-in-law in Great Falls, Montana. He was a beloved and kind son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to those who knew him. Rodney loved his wife and daughter, working hard to protect, love, and support them throughout the days of their lives together. He was a good man who attended mass regularly with his wife at Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, CA where they are parishioners, and when visiting his daughter in Montana, he was eager to attend mass at Saint Ann’s Cathedral. Rodney had a zest for life. He had a hilarious and infectious laugh that is hard to forget. Humor, music, family gatherings, reunions, weddings, celebrations were all things he made sure to be a part of with his family in the USA and in Argentina. He was happy cooking dinners and tasting wine with his wife, experiencing new foods and craft beers with his daughter and son-in-law, and barbecuing with his family and friends. Always lending a helping hand to those he knew when needed. He greeted loved ones with big bear hugs, and offered his listening ear to those who needed to share. Rodney liked traveling and discovering new places with his family. He adventured the world by train, bus, plane, and boat. He was often found at his desk reading travel articles while planning long road trips across the states, and vacations to Europe and Latin America.He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement and was always thinking about or planning his next trip with family, hoping this time around for a 43rd wedding anniversary trip to Italy and Israel with his wife. Rodney relished time outdoors; he and MariaRosa liked taking road trips to National Parks to see the sights and beauty of the land. He enjoyed hiking with his friends on long desert and mountain trails, and valued being fit and active. He loved spending time outside fishing with family, especially with his grandsons. He also loved fishing the rivers and lakes of Montana, or Minnesota, as well as the ocean waters in Argentina. Though he was seemingly always on the go, he delighted in quiet time. He often sat outside with his wife, overlooking the reservoir near his home drinking tea or maté, and being thankful for the beautiful day, his family, and life. He enjoyed restful days at the beach in San Diego, and calming long meandering walks through the streets of Buenos Aires followed by a hot coffee or lunch at the local cafe. Rodney loved stories and history, and built himself a large personal library at home. He liked to share his thoughts about his readings with his siblings and family. Going to the movies or sitting at home watching political, romance, comedy, and law television, was a relaxing pastime he enjoyed on his own or shared with his family. For fun, he went to baseball games, watched football, and talked sports with his siblings and extended family. He looked forward to another soccer season with his grandson, and an opportunity to convince him to play baseball. Rodney is missed dearly; we pray for him and take solace in the Lord’s promise that we will be reunited in heaven. We cherish the joyful, sorrowful, and singular memories we have of our lives with him. We love you forever Rod, dad, gramps, son, brother and...Old boy. “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Rodney Evans was surrounded by loving family and siblings, at a private family viewing at Schnider’s Funeral Home in Great Falls, on December 28, 2019. The following day Rodney was remembered and prayed for by Father Silvester and the parish community during Sunday mass at Saint Ann’s Cathedral.A Celebration of Life for Rodney will be planned for a later date, location to be determined. The family asks that you please consider honoring Rodney by making a donation to his wife and family to help alleviate the unforeseen emergency medical and funeral costs related to his sudden passing. If you would like to donate, please contact the family through their daughter, a member of the family, or family friend via Facebook, phone, or email.