Evan John Wilkins, 19, drifted away peacefully on December 30, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born July 1, 1999, (his Papa John’s birthday) to Lon and Heather. He battled severe asthma his entire life. As he always said “it ain’t easy being wheezy.”
He will be remembered for his love of music. He was a musician at heart. He knew every song, not just the lyrics, but the beat and tempo. He felt the music in his soul and could get lost in the feeling. Evan loved all music. Rock and Roll, Country but especially those “dirty rap songs.”
He was a artist from a very young age. We are fortunate to have many, many drawings. Most of them unfinished, because he was never done and could always make it better.
Evan’s appearance was very important to him. He especially loved his hair, EVERY hair. From his head to his “glorious chin strap.” He was never without a comb. He was even proud of his armpit hair, naming the first one “Davy Crockett, the Pioneer of Puberty.”
He always loved to snuggle. He was Lauren and Cade’s big spoon. At 6” 3 3/4” and 230 lbs, he was still his mama’s little spoon. Never too old or too big to be held.
Evan loved his siblings, Kelsi (Jake), Cade and Tony. They were best friends, talked and hung out daily. From the moment Cade was born Evan was his friend, protector and role model. Also the one who made him tough as nails by beating him up all the time. Evan in turn looked up to his sis. They never missed a day talking to each other. Evan strived to live up to the example set by Kelsi and her boyfriend Jake whom he loved like his brother. Tony and Evan were friends before brothers and grew to be closer than blood. Evan was the “Alpha” the kingpin in all of his relationships. His brothers were always trying to impress him and be as “cool” as only he could effortlessly be.
Evan was lucky to find his “person” Lauren Marie Sodergren at a young age. They spent almost four years together. He loved her with all he had and would do anything for her. He wanted to share everything with her. In fact, he would wake her up to share his late night snacks. They planned to get married and had baby names picked out. Their love was his greatest, proudest accomplishment. She is his girl. Together they adopted their dog Otie, a red, freckled healer whose sweet Teddy Bear personality is a reflection of Evan.
Evan graduated from Ft. McKenzie High School in 2017. He loved school, he even tried to go at least once a week. Sometimes he would even stay all day.
Family was the most important to Evan. He possessed his dad’s looks, personality and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Evan was a self proclaimed Mama’s Boy. He always said his happy place was laying by her side with her arm across him. He was her biggest fan and she was his.
Although he left this world too soon, he lived a life full of love, laughter, and endless sarcasm. Evan was always quick with a joke or a come back. Humor was strong with this one. Not always appropriate, but strong.
Evan is survived by his parents Lon Wilkins and Heather (Benjamin) Stopani, His girl; Lauren and her parents Barry and Cheryl Sodergren. His siblings Kelsi (Jake), Cade, Tony, Madisyn (Ryan), Gabe (Hannah) and Whitnie. Grandparents John and Nancy Elkins, Dotty and Larry DeMarchi and Buck and Ramona Wilkins, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
A Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm one hour prior to Services at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Kane Funeral Home. Please join the family in honoring Evan, by wearing very casual Nike or Jordan apparel. Dinner at the Eagles #186 will follow with all of Evan’s favorite foods being served.
In lieu of flowers, please help family with funeral expenses. Mail to Heather Stopani, P.O. Box 1624, Sydney, MT 59270.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.