Laura Jean was born in Turlock, CA, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to grow up on her family’s grain ranch near Montpelier, CA. This early life of being surrounded by a close and active family farming community gave her a lasting love of country living which continued throughout her life. Laura Jean was always enjoying her gardening, the change of seasons, and being with her many friends from her country days.
On October 6, 1963, Laura Jean was joined in marriage to Walter Evensen at the Community Baptist Church in Waterford, CA, with Rev. Richard Grenell officiating. Laura Jean and Walter made their first home in Turlock on the ranch where Walter had spent much of his early life. and where they worked together several years farming their property and building their first new home together. In 1968 Laura Jean’s first child, Hans Eric, was born, followed by her second child, Anna Maren, in 1976. Unfortunately, earlier that same year Walter suddenly and unexpectedly passed away which left Jean with her life’s greatest challenge, raising a family and managing her property all on her own. But Laura Jean was more than up to the task. Her third child, Sarah Lynn, was born in 1982, and they all lived in a close and productive family together. Their home life centered around tending Laura Jean’s many gardens, their orchards, and caring for each other.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marian Dinkelman, her husband Walter, and her sister Carol (Hugh) Smith. She is survived by her son Hans Evensen, daughters Anna (Jonathan) Retzlaff, Sarah Evensen, by one brother, Bill Dinkelman; and by her nieces Katrina (James) Munoz, Chelsea Dinkelmann, Mikhaela (Jon) Cielo, Alexandra (Jeremy) Tummel and her nephew Skylor (Rebecca) Dinklelmann.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society in her name would be appreciated.
A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Turlock Memorial Park under the direction of Allen Mortuary.
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