Gary Clifford Evjen, age 76, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls.

A visitation, with family present to greet friends, will take place from 4:30 - 6:30 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church (1501 W 26th St) in Sioux Falls. A wake service with a rosary will begin at 6:30 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Gary Clifford Evjen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and man of faith, passed away leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered throughout South Dakota and beyond. Gary was born on March 23rd, 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. His achievements on the court earned him status as a two-time All-American and multiple Hall of Fame inductions. Gary later continued his education, earning 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 9th, 1973, Gary married Margaret Schirber in Lemmon, South Dakota. Together they built a loving family and shared many wonderful years until Margaret's passing on January 2nd, 1998. After a few years of marginally managing bachelorhood, he met Rosemary Flynn-Hooten. They married on July 5th, 2008, in Sioux Falls. Rosemary and his additional children enriched his life. His faith was evident in the intentional way he lived, serving as a spiritual leader, positive role model, and ever-present cheerleader for his family.

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 lovingly 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; and stepdaughter Tiffany Reaves and her significant other, Cody Downs, of Lennox and their children, Eston and Ryker. He is also survived by his sister, Trudy McCoy and her husband, Don, of Sioux Falls; his brother, Steve Evjen and his wife, Cecilia, of Albuquerque; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Evjen; his parents, Clifford and Beverly Evjen; and his brother, Junior Evjen.