Audrey C. Pletan

Audrey C. Pletan, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully in her sleep at home and awoke in the arms of Jesus on June 25, 2026, at the age of 85.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Mildred Evavold; siblings, Roger Evavold, Donna Sonmor, Gaylan (Mary) Evavold, Carolyn (Ron) Nelson; parents-in-law, Kenneth & Myrtle Pletan; sister-in-law, Cyndy (Peter) Nelson.   

Audrey is survived by her husband of 64 years, Rodney; daughters, Lynnae (John) Rau and their children, Erica, Melissa & Kevin; Sheila (Tim) Pagois and their children, Ryan, Ellen & Clara; Gina (Peter) Schield and their daughters, Maria & Emily; sister-in-law, Beverly Evavold; brother-in-law, Bob (Verona) Pletan; many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.  

Audrey was born on February 7, 1941, at her grandparents’ home in rural Fergus Falls, MN. She grew up on a farm and attended a one-room country school in Aastad Township until 8th grade, then attended Fergus Falls High School until graduation in 1959. Her family faithfully attended Rock Prairie Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, where Audrey was baptized and confirmed, attended Sunday School, and participated in Luther League. 

Audrey and Rodney met through mutual friends, and the best decision she ever made was to accept his marriage proposal on Christmas Eve in 1960. They were married at Rock Prairie on September 2, 1961, and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Audrey enjoyed accompanying Rodney on work trips within the U.S. and other countries. Norway was their favorite destination, especially visiting Evavold and Helleckson ancestral homesteads in the Røros, Sigdal, and Eggedal areas. They were the perfect pair, needing and loving each other throughout their life together. Even on her last day, Audrey received a big smile from Rodney by simply walking into the room.

While Audrey worked a variety of office jobs in her younger days, most of her life was focused on work within the home and being a full-time mom. She and Rodney started their family in White Bear Lake, then moved to Forest Lake in 1977. She was a devoted mother to her girls and instilled in them strong family values rooted in Christian faith. Her life showed them what it looks like to be a compassionate wife and mother. Audrey loved her three sons-in-law and instantly welcomed them into the family. They say she was easy to tease, quick to laugh, and usually had witty comebacks. Audrey cherished each of her eight grandchildren and loved attending their special events. Being with them brought her immense joy. They shared both silly and tender moments and could always get Grandma Audrey to giggle. Her family loved her delicious meals and homemade goodies, will always value the holiday traditions she upheld, and will continue to say “Uffda” in her honor.

Faith Lutheran has been their beloved church home for almost 50 years. While Audrey was involved in a variety of ways, her favorite volunteer roles were being a wedding coordinator for 20 years and playing in the handbell choir. Outside of church, she drove for Meals on Wheels and assisted with community blood drives.

Audrey was deeply loved and will be forever missed. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. Interment will be held at the Rock Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery in Elbow Lake, on Thursday, July 9, at 1:00 PM. Memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church or the Rock Prairie Cemetery Fund.