With heavy hearts and grateful spirits, we celebrate the life of Joan Carlson Evenson, who passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and the caring staff of Grand Arbor in Alexandria, MN.
Her sense of humor was legendary, her wit was quick, and her heart was loving and open. She listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and always showed up.
Joan was born at the family farm near Robbin, MN, on August 20, 1932, to Abner and Nicolina (Kjorsvik) Carlson. She attended District 35 country school until 8th grade and graduated from Drayton High School in 1950. She married James Evenson on November 28, 1954, in Drayton, ND. They raised their two daughters, Wendy and Jill, in Drayton, Glasston, and Grand Forks, where Jim managed the grain terminal at the North Dakota State Mill. Joan was a teacher/supervisor at United Day Nursery for 21 years and was famously known as the voice of her puppet, Mr. Pazoo. (Poor Pazoo passed in the flood of 1997.) They moved to Alexandria, MN, in 2020.
Joan was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1954. She served as president of the Drayton Lutheran Ladies Aid and the Glasston United Methodist Women. Joan enjoyed UND hockey, attending her grandchildren’s events, and traveling. Her adventurous spirit carried her to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.
Joan was the kind of mom and Nana who created fun wherever she went. She is survived by her children: Wendy (Ray) Watts of Alexandria, MN; Jill Morseth (Jack Shide) of St. Paul, MN; and Dale Morseth of Larimore, ND. Grandchildren: Stefanie (Terry) Helmer, Lindsay (David) Hudson, Jamilee Morseth (Matt Sailer), Cory (Teela) Watts, and Tracy (Greg) Werner. Great-grandchildren: Silas and Jaycie Helmer, Camden and Porter Hudson, Samuel and Summer Sather, Kennedy Johnson, Colton and Rayden Watts, Mae and Jae Werner, and puppet Freddy the Frog. Sisters-in-law: Barb Carlson, Delores Evenson, Leona Edblom, and Penny Evenson, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her sister, Mangeline (George) Kirkeby; and her brothers Lyle (Donna) Carlson, Dallas (Janice) Carlson, and Karl Carlson.
Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Forks, North Dakota. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026. Services will be recorded and available on funeral home website. Inurnment will be held at Drayton Cemetery in Drayton, North Dakota.
Arrangements entrusted with Amundson Funeral and Cremation Services of Grand Forks, North Dakota.