Evelyn Pauline Beecher, 80, Minot, died Friday, March 30, 2012 in a Minot Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

Evelyn was born February 10, 1932 in Thief River Falls, MN, to Olaf and Effie (Joringdal) Pederson. She was reared and educated there and graduated from Thief River Falls High School in 1949. As a young adult, she was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Evelyn married Adrian Beecher on June 13, 1953 in Viking, Minnesota. They lived in Detroit Lakes, MN, Norma, ND and Valley City, ND, and Donnybrook, ND, before moving to Minot in 1965. Evelyn was employed at Family Furniture/Voeller's Furniture Store for seventeen years. She earned her real estate license and became a licensed real estate agent for Coldwell Banker- First Minot Realty in 1988. She retired in 2000.

Evelyn was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Minot, where she was active in various groups within the church. She especially enjoyed cooking for family gatherings and loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed getting together with her sisters. They had a strong bond and kept up with news of their families with a sister chain letter. Her hobbies included gardening, quilting and spending time on the golf course with her girlfriends.

Evelyn's loving family includes her husband of 58 years, Adrian; children, Bruce (Patricia) Beecher of Hazen, Greg (Lesli) Beecher of Casper, WY, Randy (Cindi) Beecher, Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren:, Bradley Beecher, Brian Beecher, Brittany (Danny) Ganske, Brianna Beecher, Adriann (Lucas) Crowe, Collin (Joy) Beecher, Brandon Beecher & Nicole Beecher; great grandchildren, Candace & Ryan Crowe, and Nataly Ganske; sisters, Ardith (Raymond) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Joan Lane of Indian Head, MD, and Wanda (Gene) Johnson of Amery, WI; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lloyd.

Funeral Service : Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church - Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.

Visitation : Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund.