Evelyn Marie Desrosier, age 83, Crookston MN, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, at North Star Manor in Warren MN.

Born on May 13, 1943, to Frank and Angela (Schiefert) Schmidt in Red Lake Falls MN, Evelyn was the youngest and last surviving of 7 children. Evelyn was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, and graduated from Lafayette High School, Red Lake Falls, MN, with the class of 1961. She also worked as a cook at St. John’s Hospital in Red Lake Falls. On July 1, 1961, Evelyn was united in marriage to Delbert Desrosier at St Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. The couple made their home in Crookston, MN, where they raised their four spirited children: Bryan, Brenda, Alan and Allyson.

While maintaining an active household and while Delbert worked for Polk County, Evelyn babysat other children and enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening. If family needed anything hemmed or stitched up, mom/grandma was the loving go-to person who always said yes. An avid gardener and master of the kitchen, she lined her basement shelves with delicious, canned vegetables, and she generously shared her delicious produce with her loved ones. Her tomatoes, cucumbers and onions were second to none.

In 1980, Delbert and Evelyn purchased land at Pine Lake, near Gonvick, MN, where they cleared the woods and eventually built a cabin. Evelyn enjoyed casting a line and getting to know the many special and fun lifelong friends they made there. Many weekends were spent hosting the kids and their friends while they enjoyed the multitude of the never-ending fun lake time activities such as water skiing, fishing, swimming and sand volleyball. Feeding the hungry kids was joyful to her, and her potato salad was a popular request for family potlucks as they always said she made the best.

While her kids were raising their own families, Evelyn decided it was time to enter the working world again, so in 1994, she started working at the American Legion, doing what she did best, making delicious homemade food for the noon lunch crowd. Her lengthy career position shifted in 1996 when she became a dedicated prep cook at Dining Services at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She worked there for over 17 years, retiring in 2014 at the age of 70 ½. She always said, “why would I retire early when this is so much fun and I get paid?” She shared many laughs with caring co-workers who thought the world of her also.

Evelyn became a familiar face at bingo games, always ready with her lucky daubers and an infectious enthusiasm for the next big win, including the occasional pull tab or two. Home improvement projects were always on Delbert and Evelyn’s lists as her time in her home was very tranquil for her. They especially enjoyed their trips together to Menard’s as well as Burger King for nothing else other than - the Whopper. In fact, the first time they ordered a Whopper, they each ordered two, and we seriously believe they ate them all. Finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, her peaceful hours were captivated by outdoor nature and by watching nature channel shows and the beauty of the natural world as well as reading books.

Evelyn and Delbert spent two short winters in Lake Havasu but found Crookston to be their solitude surrounded by all their families who live here. Each of her children was special to her and they each helped their mom in so many loving ways. If a person’s picture was to be next to the words “unconditional love”, Evelyn’s picture would be that face. She proudly treasured all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her eyes always lit up when visitors surprised her as she would get caught up on any recent news. Evelyn was a steady shoulder to lean on, quietly supporting in any way she could and always loyal and loving. She shared an unbreakable bond with her family, and her kids and families were simply her best friends – the keepers of her heart.

Evelyn will never be forgotten by her surviving children and families: Bryan and Connie Desrosier, Alan and Sandy Desrosier, and Allyson and Paul Cwikla, all of Crookston; son-in-law Zane Stigen; nine grandchildren: Steven Stene, Holli Pierson, Matt (Sara Hoerner) Desrosier, Christopher Desrosier, Tim (Kaytelyn) Desrosier, Kaylee (Nathan) Haechrel, Seth (Emily) Desrosier, Kennedy Cwikla, Kasey (Nathan) Fortmann; eleven great-grandchildren: Elle and Emma Pierson, Gabe and Grant Desrosier, Bennett, Breelynn and Kashton Desrosier, Rylee Stene, Gavin and Maycie Desrosier, and Leo Haechrel; brothers-in-law Larry Desrosier and Steve Desrosier, special niece Bonnie Paul, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Paul and Clara Desrosier, husband, Delbert, on March 12, 2026, daughter Brenda Desrosier, infant granddaughter Angela Desrosier, siblings Margaret Lanctot, Raymond Schmidt, Harold Schmidt, Harriet Violette, Andrew Schmidt, and Frank Schmidt Jr., and many brother and sister in-laws.

A funeral service honoring Evelyn’s life will be held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 4:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service in Calgary Cemetery in Crookston.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff at North Star Manor and HIA Hospice for the exceptional care and support provided to Evelyn and family in their time of need this summer.

May God Bless the memory of Evelyn Marie Desrosier.