Evelyn Kathleen Johanne Mohagen-Burgess, 89, Minot and formerly of Velva, died on Friday, July 18, 2008 in a Minot nursing home, where she had been a resident since 2006.

Evelyn was born on August 14, 1918, in Hanley, Saskatchewan, Canada to John and Ellen (Folden) Mohagen. She was raised on a farm near Norwich. She attended high school in Minot and graduated with honors from Minot High School.

Evelyn married Paul Burgess on November 16, 1941 in Minot. Following Paul's tour of duty in the Army Air Corps, they made their home in Velva, ND, where they owned and operated the Iris Theatre, as well as Burgess Chevrolet and John Deere Implement dealerships. After retiring in 1976, they spent the winter months in Mesa, AZ, and the summer months in Velva. They moved to Minot in 1991. Paul died on July 27, 1995.

She was a longtime member of the Velva United Methodist Church and an early member of the Velva Women's Club; Order of the Eastern Star; American Legion Auxiliary; and the Velva Readers Forum Book Club. She served on the Velva Library Board, and was an avid Bridge player. She served with the Music Boosters and was quick to volunteer where needed within the community.

She enjoyed all athletic events and had earned a few MVP awards when playing basketball and softball for Minot High and later in the amateur leagues. While in Canada with no organized girls or women's league near, she played shortstop for a men's baseball team.

She adored her grandkids, and was their #1 fan. You would find her in the stands for all the competitions - music, sports, etc. She was also known to be a dedicated Phoenix Suns fan.

She enjoyed music and sang with the church and community choirs throughout the years. She was a member of a local quartet that entertained folks for several years in the area. She also spent many hours sewing, knitting, and crocheting - the tougher the pattern, the more she enjoyed it.

Evelyn's loving family includes her daughters: Mary (Jim) Dye of Port Orchard, WA, and Donna (Dan) Brekke of Minot; daughter-in-law: Sue Burgess of Prior Lake, MN; Grandchildren: Jenny Cochrane, Seattle, WA; Paul (Candace) Brekke, Minot; Kari (Jason) Rist, Minot; Brad Brekke, Wilton, ND; Jon (Lisa) Burgess, Peoria, AZ; Great-grandchildren: Cole Schauer; Carson Brekke; Caleb, MacKenzie, and Logan Rist; Grace Burgess; and several nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, son: Jon; and brother: Orville Mohagen

Funeral: Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Velva United Methodist Church, Velva, ND
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva, ND
Visitation: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot