March 23, 1950– June 17, 2026___________________
Gary Clifford Evjen, 76, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026 at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls.
A Funeral Mass was held on June 20 at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial was at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Gary Clifford Evjen was born on March 23, 1950 in Sioux Falls to Clifford J. Evjen and Beverly Diane (Hult) Evjen.
Gary graduated from Washington High School in 1968. He attended Northern State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1972 while building an outstanding collegiate basketball career. He earned a two-time All-American and multiple Hall of Fame inductions. He later earned master’s degrees from the University of North Dakota and South Dakota State University.
Education was Gary’s life’s work and calling. Over a 31-year career, he served as a teacher, coach, and principal, touching the lives of countless students, athletes, and colleagues. His commitment left a lasting mark on every school and community he served. He retired from education in 2008, concluding a career defined by a genuine desire to help others succeed.
On June 9, 1973, Gary married Margaret Schirber in Lemmon. Together they built a loving family and shared many wonderful years until Margaret’s passing on January 2, 1998. They lived in Timber Lake in the early 1980s.
After a few years of marginally managing bachelorhood, Gary met Rosemary Flynn-Hooten. They married on July 5, 2008 in Sioux Falls.
Gary’s Catholic faith was central to his life. He was a devout member of Christ The King Parish, a eucharistic minister, lector, and a member of Knights of Columbus. His faith guided his actions and relationships, and he was a humble example of Christian service throughout his life.
Gary’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Evjen of Sioux Falls; daughter Jessica Evjen of Sioux Falls and her children, Marin and Reece; son Lucas Evjen and his wife, Amy, of Canton and their children, Finley and Blaine; stepson Rorak Hooten and his wife, Alicia, of Rapid City and their children, Elaina, Joanna, Siena, Micah, and Joshua; stepson Trevor Hooten and his wife, Hannah, of Sioux Falls and their children, Maeve, Henry, and Charles; stepdaughter Tiffany Reaves and her significant other, Cody Downs, of Lennox and their children, Eston and Ryker; his sister, Trudy McCoy and her husband, Don, of Sioux Falls; his brother, Steve Evjen and his wife, Cecilia, of Albuquerque, NM; and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Evjen; his parents; and his brother, Junior Evjen.