Evan Howard Swanson, 85, died peacefully at home in Hutchinson on March 5, 2025, surrounded by hymns, hugs, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred, and his brother Carlos. He is survived by his wife Evie; children Bruce, Jill, Ann (Brent Hill), and Sara (Brent Lane); grandchildren Charles, Kyle, Alex, Anders, Annika, Harrison, Oskar, and Olaf; several great-grandchildren; and numerous others who thought of Evan as a father or grandfather figure in their lives.
 Evan was born on March 2, 1940, in Ute, Iowa. He spent his youth there, graduating from Ute High School in 1958 before attending Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Here he gained not only a secondary teaching degree, but also found the love of his life and best friend, Evie Johnson. Evan and Evie were married in Hutchinson on August 17, 1961.
 After graduating in 1963, Evan took a job teaching at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson. Over the next 57 years, he profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of young people who came through his classroom at Maplewood, teaching history, government, geography, chemistry, and biology. Beyond the classroom, Evan also spent many hours as a student government and class sponsor, played sports with the students during rec time, and would take groups of students to town whenever they needed a ride.
 Warmly referred to by many students as Swanee, Evan is regarded by many as their favorite teacher. He was known as a teacher who challenged his students and encouraged them to think for themselves. At the same time he was beloved for his kind and gentle nature, his humor and true concern for students, and his willingness to do anything to help each one succeed. As one former student recalled, he “always made me feel like I mattered, even in the moments I least deserved it!”
 Evan’s voice of reason and experience was respected in staff meetings. He became, by action not self-pronouncement, a life-saving mentor to young teachers and new principals alike. He became an institution of the institution, though he relished not status, but relationships. In all things, his Christian faith came forth in the life he lived. He exemplified the Christ-like ideal that true influence is won not by bluster, but by humble self-sacrifice.
 Evan loved his family. He was known for bringing Evie flowers on Friday afternoons. His kids remember him as a calm, wise influence in their lives, who while being proud of their accomplishments was more interested in who they were than what they were. He enjoyed being silly with the grandkids and attending their activities whenever possible.
 Evan was a longtime member of Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist church. He enjoyed gardening in the summer and discussing politics and sports with the many people who’d stop by to visit. For many years, Evan actively participated in Hutchinson city league softball and basketball, bowling leagues, and tennis. During the later decades of his life, Evan was most likely to be spotted with a Siberian husky near his side. He loved his huskies and they loved him.
 Evan will be missed by many. But his body is now at rest from the slow but steady ravages of dementia. His family looks forward to the great day of resurrection, the blessed hope, when God will call Evan and all His children home for eternity.
 A memorial service for Evan will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist church with a visitation on Friday evening, June 6, from 4 – 6 p.m.
 The family would like to thank the many who have supported and encouraged during these last most difficult months, especially the hospice team. The family also asks that in lieu of any flowers or other gifts, that you would honor Evan’s legacy with a gift to the Maplewood Academy Worthy Student Fund to the place where he gave of himself for 57 years. (www.maplewoodacademy.org/donations).