Evert J Krosschell

EVERT J. KROSSCHELL was born on August 17, 1926 to Evert and Eva (VandeVoort) Krosschell in Edgerton. Evert had a servant heart and honest nature. His slight appreciation for mischief was apparent even as a young schoolboy. He attended a rural country school through 8th grade and then went to work on his family’s farm. At the age of 18, Evert enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. He completed his service in Okinawa where his mechanical knowledge was put to good use.

While serving in the war, Evert began writing letters to Phyllis Schelhaas. Through these letters, their relationship grew, and they fell in love. Evert proposed to Phyllis as soon as he arrived home in Minnesota after the war.  Evert was united in marriage to Phyllis on February 4, 1949. Their union was blessed with five children and 69 happy years of marriage.

Evert lived out his faith through humble service to his family, church, and community.  He worked as a parts dealer in Chandler, and then as a mechanic in Chandler and Edgerton.  Outside of work, Evert served as both deacon and elder at his church homes for several terms. He also served with the M2 prison program and on the Edgerton Christian School board. Each summer, Evert took his family to vacation at Lost Valley Resort in Northern Minnesota where he instilled his love for fishing to each of his children. He was a resident and active community member of Edgerton, Minnesota. Evert Krosschell’s lifelong dream of seeing Jesus face to face came true on May 3, 2018 at the age of 91. 

In his retirement, Evert’s hardworking nature and love for people continued to bear witness. He worked for the Edgerton Burial Association for many years, mowed for the Township Cemetery, participated in Friendship Bible class, and served on City Council. When he wasn’t serving or with family or friends, you could likely find him reading his Bible or a book. (Mysteries were his favorite.)

Evert had a quiet, loving, and easygoing nature which made him easy to talk to and spend time with. His genuine love and care for people made him an anchor that held people together and allowed him to walk alongside many through their difficult times. Through all that life brought his way, Evert maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. While he wasn’t a man of many words, the words he did speak were often spoken with a slight smirk and a glint in his eyes. He was lovingly known to all of his grandchildren as “Grandpa Snazzy”.

Evert is lovingly remembered by his wife, Phyllis of Edgerton; five children, Gene (and Brenda) Krosschell of Morris, Minnesota, Rod (and Marcia) Krosschell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kel Krosschell of Chatfield, Minnesota, Kevin (and Kelly) Krosschell of Cape Coral, Florida, and Starla (and Greg) Geels of Sheldon, Iowa; grandchildren, Joe Lawson, Amy (and Chris) Richards; Jeff (and Marissa) Krosschell, Melissa (and Doug) Rolfes, Mindy Marcus, Brian Marcus, Justin (and Addie) Krosschell, Brian (and Sarah) Krosschell, Terri (and Brad) Garret, Stacy (and Jim) Fousek, Jenna (and Steve) Hale, Amanda (and Todd) Paben, Lindsey (and Tyler) Klyn, Evan (and Hannah) Geels; 28 great-granchildren; sisters, Berdina Van Ginkle, Ellen Wynia, Madeline Sharkey; and three sisters-in-law, Alice Krosschell, Clarice Krosschell, Donna Ten Cate; other family and friends.  Evert was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Eva; grandson, Joshua Lawson; brothers, Jack Peter, and infant brother Evert; sisters, Hattie Donker, Jenny Olthof, Agnes Ruiter, and Bernice Ten Cate.

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