Carol Jean Evenson

The graveside service for Cookie Evenson will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston

Carol Jean “Cookie” Evenson, 76, a lifelong Crookston, MN resident, died Friday morning, February 18, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with her husband, John, and son, Brent, at her side. She had been battling ill health for many months.

Cookie was born in Crookston on February 7, 1946, one of six children of the union of Carl and Ida (Boucher) Arness. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy with the Class of 1964. Cookie worked for the Diocese of Crookston for 44 years from the age of 18 until her retirement. Throughout the years she served in many diocesan departments but was primarily the Editor of the Our Northland Diocese (OND) publication. Cookie was united in marriage to John Brent Evenson on August 16, 1969 at St. Anne’s. Their marriage would be blessed by the births of two sons, Brent and Daniel.

Cookie was a devout member of the Crookston parishes of St. Anne’s and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception her entire life. She freely said yes to many ministries which included playing the organ, proclaiming the Word, promoting Marriage Preparation and Sacrificial Giving, and serving as a Minister of Communion. She was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Circle, and longtime coordinator of Compassionate Friends.

She will long be remembered for baking perfect cookies and caramel rolls, and her fashion style. Cookie exhibited an infectious enthusiasm, outgoing personality, and love for good conservation. She truly cherished whoever was in her presence. She was a self-professed crochet-aholic, and cooking for family and friends was a joy. Her special friend, Aaron Lagasse referred to Cookie as “Happy Angel”.

Cookie and John shared over 52 years of marriage that was founded in faith, love, and mutual respect. He survives Cookie along with their son, Brent, and his wife Erika (Altepeter) Evenson of Grand Forks, ND; and three much loved grandchildren: Kryton Mesrour, Silas Evenson, and Vera Evenson. She also leaves three siblings: Dorothy Laliberte of Coon Rapids, MN, Paul (Rozzie) Arness of King City, CA, and Julie Keener of Novato, CA; nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Cookie is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ida Arness; her son, Daniel; and brothers, Ron (Lou Ann) Arness and Bill Arness.

May God bless the memory of Carol “Cookie” Evenson.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Cookie Evenson will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN, with The Rev. Msgr. Mike Foltz, presiding and The Most Rev. Bishop Victor Balke, homilist. Visitation with the family will at the Cathedral on Thursday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and time of sharing. Visitation will continue for the hour before the Mass on Friday. Both services will be livestreamed and may be viewed by going to www.crookstoncathedral.com ten minutes before the scheduled starts and clicking on the funeral prompt.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift in Cookie’s name to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Cathedral School, Care and Share, or a charity of choice.

Messages of condolence can be given to the family by going to Cookie’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com