Kenton Howard Evenstad, age 81, of Monona, Wis., passed away unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2018, in The Villages, Fla. Kent was born Jan. 25, 1936, in La Crosse to Earl and Helen (Leum) Evenstad.

Kent grew up in Westby, Wis., and graduated from Westby High School in 1953. He received his B.A. in mathematics from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1957, and continued on to receive his M.S. in mathematics education from UW-Madison in 1964. Kent had an impressive career as both a teacher and a coach, beginning at Fennimore High School in 1957, and then teaching math and computer science at Monona Grove High School from 1960 to 1994. At Monona Grove, he helped develop one of the first high school Computer Science curriculums in the United States. As a basketball coach for Monona Grove JV Boys, UW-Madison JV, and Monona Grove Girls he compiled a career basketball record of 464-168. Starting in 1983, his girls’ teams won seven conference championships in 11 years, appearing at the State Tournament in 1988, 1990, and 1994. He retired from Monona Grove High School in 1994.

Kent was a proud member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. He also served on numerous boards, councils, and associations. Kent received the Distinguished Service Award from Luther College in 2002. He also enjoyed extensive time spent at The Farm in Dell, Wis.

Kent is survived by his wife, Mitzi; sons, John Evenstad ‘88 of Minneapolis and Bruce of Monona; step-children, Jamie, Julie and Gina; 12 step-grandchildren; nine great-step-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Coryl of Westby. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Ellen; and brother, Ron Evenstad ‘55.

Funeral Services were held at ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, on Jan. 27, 2018, with the Rev. Elisa Brandt presiding. Kent will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, or Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162, or Monona Grove School District Athletics. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.