Service Details
Visitation:
Sunday, March 18, 2018
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
Memorial Service:
Monday, March 19, 2018
11:00 a.m.
Covenant Presbyterian Church (40 Ohio Street)
There will also be a visitation in the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials suggested to Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame (701 Main St., Racine, WI 53403, 262-636-3926) or a charity of your choice.
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RACINE – Known professionally for his outstanding coaching career and personally for his positive outlook and unwavering encouragement of family and friends, Owen Pierce Evans, 90, passed away on March 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at Primrose Retirement Community in Mount Pleasant.
Owen was born in Racine on June 30, 1927, son of William C. Evans and Anne (Nan) (nee: Williams) Evans. On June 20, 1953, he married Phyllis Maureen Melby in La Crosse. Owen was a 1945 graduate of Washington Park High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from La Crosse State Teachers College and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. He also served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Norton Sound and USS Palau in 1945-46 and 1951-52.
A standout athlete, Owen lettered in football, basketball and track in high school under the guidance of his coach Clark VanGalder. In college, he excelled in football where VanGalder was again his coach – helping his team to take the championship in 1949. He was elected to the All-Conference Team in both his junior and senior years.
Owen’s success continued as a high school and college coach. He was head football coach at both Berlin and River Falls high schools, where he compiled a 56-38-4 record and three conference championships. At the college level, he was head football coach at the University of Dubuque from 1962-68 and an assistant football coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1969. In 1970, Owen moved back to his hometown for a position as head football coach at William Horlick High School. He served as athletic director at Horlick from 1971-1986, then J.I. Case High School until his retirement in 1989 from Racine Unified School District.
Athletic honors include induction into the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse’s Wall of Fame and the Washington Park High School’s Hall of Fame, both in 1990, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame’s first “Deep Roots Award” in 2016.
He was also a member of the Berlin Junior Chamber of Commerce, president of the Dubuque Optimist Club, state secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Optimist Club, commissioner for both the Racine Recreational Department and the City Plan Commission, active member and elder for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Racine, member of the West Racine Kiwanis Club and past board member of the St. David’s Society of Racine & Vicinity.
Owen was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing bridge, watching high school athletics and gathering with friends at morning coffee club. However, Owen was happiest in the company of his family, especially the weekly dinner gathering at Buckets Pub.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Alyce (Lyle) O’Neil; his sisters-in-law Arlona Melby, Joanne Fremstad and LaVonne (Gerald) Davis; and his cousin Glynn (Lavern) Humphrey.
He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, daughter Susan Evans; his sons David Evans and John (Leanne) Evans, all of Racine, his grandchildren Jacob (Kayla, expecting great-grandson Owen Pierce in June) Evans, Ian (fiancée Andrea Gonzales) Evans and Anna (Alexander Hahn) Evans, brother David (Janice) Evans; sister Gwendolyn (Robert) Lehmann; brother-in-law Evan Melby; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home for a visitation on Sunday, March 18 from 2-4 p.m. A service celebrating his life will take place on Monday, March 19 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (40 Ohio St., Racine, WI 53405) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jennifer Gleichauf officiating. There will also be a visitation at the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m. Memorials suggested to Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Racine County Sports Hall of Fame (701 Main St., Racine, WI 53403, 262-636-3926) or a charity of your choice.
The Evans family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Primrose Retirement Community and to Hospice Alliance for the exceptional attention Owen received while under their care.
Robert Hicks An Fa says
Our Prayers And Thoughts Are With The Owen Evans Family. May God Continue To Bless And Comfort You In Your Time Of Bereavement.
The Hicks Family
Norah McCue says
Dear Sue and Dave, I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a valued colleague during his years at Case, as well as a great resource for projects at the Heritage Museum . Perhaps because of his Celtic heritage, he was a great story-teller with a fine sense of humor. I will remember him fondly.
Delores Casebolt. says
Another beautiful soul entering into the presence of our almighty God.
Delores Casebolt. says
Another beautiful soul entering into the presence of Almighty God.
Kimberly Meriwether David says
To the entire Evans family,
I am sorry to hear about Owen’s passing. I have such great memories of the old neighborhood, up north, and many many more times that will forever be in my heart. He was such a wonderful person and will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone. God bless you and find comfort in knowing Owen is up with God, looking down on us and blessing us everyday! Hugs to all of you!
Kimberly Meriwether David
Cindy Maragos says
Dear Evans Family,
Our entire community is saddened by Owen’s passing but rejoices as he enters everlasting life. Owen and your family was and is in the fabric of our lives and hearts and always will be. God Bless you all as you prepare to celebrate his life and memory. Love, Cindy and Nick Maragos
Anita Cordova says
John and Leann so sorry to hear of your loss. May all the memories you have of your father be a comfort to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Jim Jeffersoon says
Dear Evans Family,
I worked with Owen at Horlick High School from 1970 to 1976. Owen always would put
his arm up on my shoulder when we were standing near each other. I think it was because
he was tall enough to reach. I was 5’8″, not much taller than he. Owen always had a smile and loved to visit with anyone. We were also connected through the Iowa Conference.
I played at Luther College from 1965-1969.
Hi Phyllis, Terry and I will never forget you and Owen. Your friendship help two country
kids enjoy Horlick and Racine.
Terry and I live in Sparta, Wi. and will not be able to attend but our thoughts will always
be with you.
Jim and Terry Jefferson
Rick (#84) Anderson says
The difficultly for me writing this is to keep it brief. There is so much to say. Slip had a MAJOR impact on my life. If it weren’t for his belief in me and his guidance, I don’t know what would have happened to me. Too many stories to relate, but I sure appreciate the fact that Slip was at the University of Dubuque when he was. I’m sure there are plenty of others who feel the same way wherever their paths crossed with Slip’s.
I know his family is saddened by his passing. But I hope they find solace in knowing the positive impact his career enabled him to have on so many. As the old prayer says, “Miss me but let me go.”
Cookie Spencer Kuhle says
With warm memories of Coach Evans, please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of this delightful man.
Cookie Spencer Kuhle
Thomas Mendez says
Thank you Coach ,
For your kindness and caring beyond Football .
Harold Knutsen says
Deepest sympathy for the passing of Coach Evans to his immediate family and to all of his former football players. He helped shape the lives of many football players at the University of Dubuque.
Sue and Dave Cawley says
To the Owens Family:
What a fun guy Owen was! He will be keeping all of his buddies in heaven smiling. He will be missed and remembered by many. Our condolences to Phyllis and kids.
Jane Davison Roeber (RFHS class of 1956) ocident free -- thanks for your patience, OP) says
It seems fitting to read OP’s obituary as the state high school basketball tournament gets underway here in Madison. One of my memories of him is from a long ago tourney time when he reacted with fear on Capital Square as I drove past. Why? — because he had been my high school driver’s training instructor in River Falls and had told my father “Jane will never learn how to steer!” OP was in the car when I backed into a fence while learning how to parallel park and ripped off the decorative chrome strips on the passenger side. Maybe he had a point!
My dad had nicknamed OP “Slippery Evans” at a Monday morning quarterbacks session in 1952; I wonder if that name followed him elsewhere!
Blessings to the Evans family.
Bob Noth. (UD class of 1965 & #51) says
My sincerest condolences to Owen’s family on his passing. He had a significant impact on my life and those of many of my teammates at the University of Dubuque as well as many other young people over the course of his career, I’m sure. We will all miss him. May he Rest In Peace in the arms of the Lord!
Mike(#73) Barkhurst says
I would like to take just a brief moment to honor this FANTASTIC human being!!! Slip Evans actually saved my life….at the end of my freshman year at UofD…(1961 season)…I had decided to give up football!!! Slip became coach in 1962 and actually took the time to call me over the Summer at my home in WEST LIBERTY to talk me back into continuing with my COLLEGE football career!!! This simple “human gesture” turned my life around and I owe it ALL to OWEN ‘SLIP’ EVANS!!!
THANK YOU FOREVER COACH!!!!
Maury Waugh says
It was my pleasure to serve as Owen’s assistant football coach at Dubuque. He was an outstanding football coach, but an even better man. RIP, Owen.
Bob Noth. says
My sincere condolences to Owen’s family and close friends on his passing. He certainly had a positive impact on my life while coaching at the University of Dubuque as I’m sure he did on many young men over his illustrious coaching career. He wil be remembered fondly by many. May he Rest In Peace in the company of the Lord!
John Evans says
Thanks for sharing from the Evans Family
Ed (#19) Holland says
What a wonderful Coach and Soul. He welcomed a kid from NY to Dubuque and gave me a chance and a scholarship that allowed me to attend college. It changed my life. Always grateful. I pray the positive impact of his life on so many of us provides consolation and hope to his family and friends. Thanks for the memories Slip.
Bill McCarthy says
Dear Phyllis, children and grandchildren,
Please accept my sincere condolescenes on Owen”s passing. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather and a man of many hats beyond that – professional and personally.
My deceased wife – Honey- and I had many great memories of shared fun times with Owen and Phyllis, during their time in Oshkosh, but also at get togethers in LaCrosse, golf outings, and when they returned here for visits with old friends. He always “lit up” the room” and will be dearly missed by many.
With deepest sympathy and fond memories – Bill McCarthy
Sannny Oberhauser says
To Susan, David, and John: As a member of the GOEY Gang in Berlin, WI back 60 years ago my memories of your parents go back a long way. We spent many an evening together with our kids playing games and generally enjoying a good life in our small town. All but the Goodriches left town within several years, but remained friends through the decades.
I so appreciated Owen and Phyllis coming up for Pete’s memorial service 3 1/2 years ago. I’m unable to come to Racine for your dad’s service, but I’ll be thinking of all of you while remembering those good times.
Bob Reischl says
My heart felt condolences to the Evans family. Owen will be dearly missed. I will always remember him as a kind and caring gentleman.
Julie Paulson says
So sorry for your loss. Loved hearing the wonderful stories about him from Sue. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Schimenz says
My Dear Uncle Owen . . . He always made me feel like I was the “favorite niece.” I realize, as an adult now, that we all were his favorites! He had that charm about him. He also was very friendly and welcoming to my husband, Matt. I always appreciated that. I am certain that Uncle Owen is greeted with open arms by those that have gone to heaven before him. We miss them all!
Ellen Jane Evans Schimenz
Ben Hibbs Class of 68 #64 says
My prayers are with the Owen Evan’s family during this difficult time.
Slip has given me many fond football memories from 1964-1968.
Thanks Coach, RIP
Tom Greenawald says
My sincerest condolences to Evans family on his death. He had a significant impact on my life and many of my teammates at the University of Dubuque. Coach Evans showed great care and respect for all that he mentored. Rest in Peace, Coach.
Tristan says
I had the pleasure of working with Owen while I was employed at Primrose. The family is in my prayers.
Bill Ryan says
I was the Sports Information Director at the U. of Dubuque from 1963-1965 and travelled with Coach Owen & the team to all away football games. I recall him as a man of integrity who worked hard for the team and had the respect of his players.
John Zupek says
Condolences to the Evans family. Coach Evans had a heart for all students on and off the field. He was a standout for me when I was a student at Horlick High School in the middle 70’s. He rocked as our athletic director who was serious and wanted to live but had a lot of fun. I remember him to be very encouraging and one of those teachers that exemplifies the qualities of being a good leader, teacher and father! May God continue to come alongside you as you walk through these days of grief and loss. Coach Evans was an outstanding man! God bless!
Christina Weber says
Evan’s Family,
My deepest, heartfelt condolences. I am SO sorry…
David (#18) Benter says
Coach Evans will forever hold a special place in my heart for giving a kid with no high school football a chance to play at UD. My thoughts and prayers go out the family of this great man. Rest in peace Coach Evans.
Marlon Bohlman says
Rip my mentor, friend and coach.