Evelyn “Evie” Veronica Abrahamson, daughter of John J. and Avis (Schilling) Gillaspie, was born December 10, 1948, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota. Evie was the third of ten children. On April 18, 2025, Evie was called home from Avera Maryhouse in Piere, South Dakota after her third battle with cancer.

Evie spent her childhood in the Midland area with her family which included six brothers and three sisters. She attended country school and graduated from Midland High School in 1967. After high school graduation, she attended the National Business College in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Evie eventually settled in Pierre working for the State of South Dakota and cooking in various cafes. After several years together, Evie married Orris “Skoge” Skogen in Pierre gaining three children: Mitch, Joni, and Jodi. Skoge’s unfortunate passing, didn’t change Evie’s heart and she continued to maintain relationships with her step-children.

After moving from Pierre, she lived in Omaha and Ord, Nebraska, selling insurance and cooking in various restaurants.
In 1992, Evie renewed her friendship with Doug Abrahamson, a “salt of the Earth” pioneer. They married November 27, 1993 in Amidon, North Dakota. They were off and running from that point forward making their home on the farm in Bowman, North Dakota.

Evie became a good farmer with Doug’s excellent teachings: “Please be seated in the tractor. Pay close attention. This is the steering wheel, the clutch, the throttle, the brake. Keep it between the ditches and have a great day! Don’t forget to check the oil and fuel when necessary.”

Much of their time was spent working the farm; however, they also enjoyed traveling on cruise ships and to various places in their camper visiting family and friends.

She loved her “best friend” Ace and he gave her great entertainment with his antics. Evie especially enjoyed spending time visiting and partying with her friends; as well as gambling in Deadwood. Most recently, she took a trip to Deadwood with Ken and Lori and although she tired easily she loved every second of that trip!

Evie was a member of the Lions Club and the Moose, Lodge.

Grateful for having shared her life are her step-children: Mitch (Dixie) Skogen, Joni Trimble, and Jodi (Mike) Arneson; six step-grandchildren; her siblings: John Gillaspie, Marilyn Hoyt, Ken Gillaspie, Delores “Lori” (Carl) Suminski, and James (Sharon) Gillaspie; many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.

Evie was preceded in death by her husband Douglas Abrahamson; her former husband Orris Skogen; her parents John J. and Avis Gillaspie; her siblings Ronald Gillaspie, Conrad (Marilyn) Gillaspie, Rock Gillaspie, and Mary Schofield; her siblings-in-law James Hoyt, Vincent Schofield, and Danette Gillaspie; her nephews Michael Schofield, Dean Joseph Gillaspie, and Timothy Gillaspie.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, South Dakota, with visitation one hour prior. The family requests everybody dress casually as that is what Evie would have wanted.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, May 3, from 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Dollar Bar in Bowman, North Dakota.