LaDel “Luke” Evoniuk, 66, Belfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at his home as the result of health complications. There will be a Rosary and Liturgy of Word at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Inurnment will follow at the Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Thursday.
Luke was born and raised on a farm, where he learned early what hard work really meant. He grew up alongside his parents, Steve and Hattie (Sprynczynatyk) Evoniuk, and his siblings. He spent countless days out helping his dad with the farm and ranch, cutting hay, fixing fences, and doing whatever needed to be done. Those long days and that strong work ethic stuck with him his whole life.
He went on to work for Petro-Hunt for over forty years, building a life marked by grit, loyalty, and doing things his own way. He was never one to back down from a challenge or hold back his opinion — and that was part of what made him who he was.
Luke had a lifelong love for old cars and pickups. He loved talking about them, collecting them, and bringing them over to his son Chris’s shop to get them running right. The two of them shared a bond built on tools, projects, and a lot of stubborn conversations that somehow always ended in laughter or a lesson learned. Luke was happiest on his farm, riding side-by-sides in the Black Hills, or sitting outside with the sound of the wind and an engine nearby.
He was also a die-hard sports fan. He never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs or the NDSU Bison. Those games were more than just something to watch — they were part of the bond he shared with his daughter, Ashlynn. The two of them could talk sports for hours, celebrating wins, grumbling about bad calls, and always finding common ground through their shared love of the game. Even when words were hard to find, those games gave them a way to stay connected — a love that went far beyond football.
Through the years, Luke had his loyal dog Jennie by his side. She was his shadow and his comfort, keeping him company through both the good days and the hard ones.
He was also the proud grandfather of three grandkids — Brandt, Bailey, and Harper — who he loved more than they’ll ever know. He didn’t get to see them as often as he wanted, but he made it to as many of their hockey games as he could and was always proud of the young man Brandt is becoming — the spitting image of his dad. He adored his two little granddaughters, Bailey and Harper, and loved hearing about everything they were up to. When he was sick and couldn’t travel, Ashlynn made sure he was surrounded by them anyway — printing out pictures and even making blankets and pillows covered with their faces, so he could still feel close to his grandkids. That meant the world to him.
Luke was a stubborn man — tough as they come — but beneath it all was a heart that loved in its own quiet, complicated way. He fought through cancer, a broken hip, and the loss of his leg to diabetes, and somehow found the strength to keep going. Through it all, Chris and Ashlynn stood by him, watching their dad fight, fall, and get back up again more times than anyone should have to. They saw his strength, his pain, and his will to keep going, and they loved him through every bit of it. He’ll be deeply missed, remembered not for being perfect, but for being real — a son, a brother, a father, a grandpa, and a man who lived life his own way.
Though his body finally gave out, his spirit never did. Luke fought hard, loved fiercely, and left behind a family that will never forget the lessons, the laughter, and the love — even when it came wrapped in a little stubbornness.
He is survived by his son, Chris Evoniuk (Nena), his daughter, Ashlynn Messer (Brandon); grandkids, Brandt, Bailey, and Harper Evoniuk; his mom, Hattie; his brother, LaMont Evoniuk; sisters, LuAnn Solberg (Ken) and LaRae Kudrna (Allan).
He was preceded in death by his dad, Steve.
Rest easy, Dad — we’ll carry you with us every mile, every game, every day.