Brenda Even

Brenda Marie Even, 59 of Keldron, SD passed away suddenly at the St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, MT on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial was  Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon, SD.  Fr. Adam Hofer officiated and burial  followed at Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon.  Visitation was Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.  Rosary/Vigil service was Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

On May 28th, 1965, Jean (Bartholomew) and Eldon Umiker welcomed Brenda Marie to their family, in Gettysburg, SD. Brenda attended her early elementary years at Lebanon School. While attending the 1st grade, the Umiker family home was lost to an electrical fire. After completing the semester, Barbara and Brenda joined Jean, Eldon, and baby brother Bryan, in Mobridge, SD.  Brenda and the rest of the family moved a few more times in her childhood but graduated from Mobridge High School in 1983. All through High School and her adulthood, Brenda would be found taking care of someone, helping others, or advocating for those who needed an additional voice.

In the middle of winter, December 23rd, 1995, Brenda married the love of her life, Gary Even, at the Prince of Peace Chapel, in Lemmon, SD. Brenda and Gary resided on the Even ranch, where they welcomed their daughter, Moriah Marie, and many animals. Brenda was a devoted mother and wife. When Brenda wasn’t driving Moriah all over SD or helping tend to farm tasks, she was serving others in some capacity. Brenda had been an SD Guardian Representative for 25 years, being an advocate for those with Developmental Disabilities. Brenda was a jailer for Perkins County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years as well. Eventually, Brenda decided to add Home Health Care to her occupation list. Brenda enjoyed her jobs, as each place became like family to her. As Moriah grew up, Brenda would become just as heavily involved in volunteering opportunities, 4-H activities, religious education, and church activities. Brenda attempted to continue her heavy involvement in the community and church after Moriah went to college. However, her health declined over the years from the Fibromyalgia. Brenda recovered from her open-heart surgery in September 2023 but was suddenly called to join her baby by our Lord after acquiring a severe infection.

Brenda will be deeply missed by her Husband of (almost) 29 years, Gary; Daughter and Son-in-law, Moriah and Nate (Eckroth); Bonus Granddaughter, Courtney Mariah; Mother-in-law, Mavis Even; Step-father, Larry Fritz; Father, Eldon Umiker (Shar). Sisters: Barb Umiker, Lisa (David) Schaefer, Missy (Paul) Iszler. Brothers: Patrick; Bryan (April) Umiker, Jonathan Umiker; numerous Aunts, Uncles, In-Laws, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and friends and most of all, her "furbaby", Chester.

Brenda is preceded in death by her baby in ectopic pregnancy; her Mother, Jean (Bartholomew) Fritz; Father-in-law, Bernard Even; Stepmother, Marilyn Umiker; Grandparents, Uncles, Cousins, and many friends.

“May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace”.