Duane "Dewey" Richard Evenson, 70, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at home with his family by his side from a rare neurological disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). It is a fatal degenerative brain disease that has no known cause, treatment, or cure. PSP causes complete disability by progressively impairing all movement, balance, vision, speech, and swallowing. He was diagnosed in May 2004.\r\nDewey was born on February 21, 1936, in Eau Claire to Lawrence and Alma Evenson. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the class of 1955. \r\nDewey married Barbara A. Wold at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on December 13, 1958.\r\nHe served in the US Army from 1956-1958 mainly in Germany. In 1960 he formed Mickelson-Evenson Insurance Agency. In 1966 Dewey began working at First Wisconsin National Bank (US Bank). He retired in 1991 after 25 years as Vice President and Director of Human Resources. His love of people and willingness to help anyone made him very special. He was a total "people person". He belonged to many organizations and boards and was very honored to be named "Boss of the Year" by the Jaycees in 1984. \r\nHe was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church serving as congregation president twice, charter member of the foundation, usher chairman, and many volunteer projects. \r\nDewey belonged to Friends of Luther, serving on their board, dearly loved volunteering on STEP FORCE at Luther Hospital, a member of Sanctuary Lodge #347 F&AM, a 32nd degree mason, S.P.E.A.L.E. club, and Eau Claire Moose Lodge #1408. He golfed for over 30 years with many special "golf buddies".\r\nSurviving is his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Barbara (Wold) Evenson; three wonderful daughters, Kathy (Mike) Anderson, Deanna (Brian) Moore, and Vicki (John) Carlson all of Eau Claire; six great grandchildren, Stacy (fiancé - Josh Reit) and Jason Anderson, Jessica and Robbie Moore, and Justin and Megan Carlson all of Eau Claire; his sister, Bette Becker of Eau Claire; brother-in-law Jim (Jean) Wold of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Carolynn (Erik) Holt of Colleyville, Texas; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.\r\nDewey was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; mother and father-in-law, Byron and Margaret Wold; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.\r\nHe enjoyed many summers at his place on the Chippewa Flowage with family and friends. The 4th of July get togethers hold many precious memories. \r\nThroughout Dewey's health ordeal he never complained, lost his dignity, or the ability to delight people with his warm smile. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Heaven received a special angel today. We love you!!\r\nFuneral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2006, at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dr. Duane C. Pederson officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.\r\nMemorials may be designated to First Lutheran Foundation, Research for PSP, or Northwest Wisconsin Home Care - Hospice.\r\n

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