Evan Kongvold, 18 years old, of Dalton, PA, died Thursday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, from an unexpected heart attack. He was surrounded by family, friends and was in his Heavenly Father’s arms.
Born in Scranton, son of Freedom and Kelly Kongvold, he was a 2016 Lackawanna Trail graduate pursuing his passion of capturing God’s beauty through photography. Evan loved and was loved by his siblings Zachary, Bryce and Annika. He was cherished by a large family including his Great Grandfather, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and extended family, and he loved making them smile. He also treasured his friends and loved having them in his life.
Evan loved to be creative. He created a podcast called Generation Viewpoint with his father, a vlog on YouTube and worked on countless other creative projects. He also recently started his own photography business which was his true passion.
Evan loved life. He lived to follow God’s greater story for his life even when it made him different from others. He embraced being “weird” and loved to make people laugh. He lived with a strong desire to encourage others and found beauty in everyone; a beauty he loved capturing with his camera.
Family and friends may pay their respects Tuesday from 4 to 6 pm, followed by a Memorial service at 6pm at Parker Hill Community Church at 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508.
A memorial fund has been established in Evan’s name. This fund will be used to provide student scholarships for camp, retreat and mission experiences. These experiences were an important part of Evan’s life and faith, and he would want others to have the same opportunity. In lieu of flowers, donations to this fund can be sent to Parker Hill Church, 933 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Scranton, PA 18508.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.PennsylvaniaCremationServices.com
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Daniel Packer
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies for your loss. I will remember Evan for the joy and laughter that he brought to school each day. He always had a positive attitude and a kind word whenever I saw him. It was my privilege to have been his substitute teacher and we will all miss him very much.
Pam Sisco
I hope Evan’s family and friends will find comfort in their love for him and for each other to get through this dark time and may the love of God bring you peace.
Chuck & Rita Nash
Wishing you God’s peace as you celebrate the love and joy Evan brought to your family and all he met. Our prayers go out to you all.
Al Pounall
My condolences to the bereaved family. The worst thing is having to bury a child. I do pray that the loving mercy of our Lord God Jesus Christ and saviour comforts you and guide you with wisdom and courage during this time.
Penny Hoffman
My family and I are so very sorry for you loss. We heard what a wonderful young man he was and was a great servant for the Lord. May God be with you all during this very difficult time of loss.
Theresa christiana
We are all deeply saddened by the loss of such a young man!! Praying for all family and friends in such a difficult time!!
Heather Cole
My deepest sympathies for the family. I hope knowing that Evan is in his creators arms can bring some comfort to everyone. Prayers and love.
Dave and Marie Golden
Our sincere sympathy. We are praying for God’s comfort and strength. “Our Hope is in the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth”
With care, Marie and Dave from Parker Hill, Clarks Summit
Kathleen Sutton
Freedom, I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met Evan but it sounds as though he was a wonderful young man and has left a big hole in your heart. I only met you once when you were a little boy. I am Easton, Nigel and Mary Gwen’s aunt. May our precious savior keep you and all your family in His loving arms and comfort you. Blessings,
Kathleen
Melodee Drake
My heart has been heavy and I have wept for your family many times this week.. I’ve always found it strange that after someone passes away, we speak in the past tense.. so I’ll proceed in the present tense because who we are and what we have done here remains with our loved ones and those that knew us every day.. I don’t know Evan, but my kids do, and they say “He’s awesome!” And when I personally think of losing one of our children, I almost have to block out the thought because the pain must be so overwhelming.. And my family and I were talking about it all last night, and as we were speaking about the sadness that death can bring, my six year old son said, “I know people should be sad but why are we so sad when he gets to be with Jesus? That’s so awesome, he’s the lucky one!!” And once again, I am reminded by my young boy who isn’t so “cluttered up” by life so to speak, that he is so right . To be taken out of the world so suddenly, makes me think of the very instant when we pass on from this world and realized very clearly that everything we believe and stand for is TRUE and our Savior welcomes us with open arms.. Thank you so much for all that your family does for the many other kids and families at the church I have come to love and call my home.. Your kindness and selflessness in your serving has been an inspiration to me and my family. And I pray that God gives you the peace that only He can give as you think about your dear son .. He has been PROMOTED TO GLORY and I look forward to getting to know him someday! So much love and gratitude to the Kongvold family..
Paul and Irene Burden
Our sincere condolences to Freedom, Kelly, Zachary, Brice and Annika. It seems odd that we have this whole family growing up across the Atlantic Ocean and have never had the privelidge of meeting them, however we feel we know them so well having followed Generation Viewpoint and watching it on our TV screen.
To lose a child is not something that we ever expect to do within our lifetimes, however it sadly happens. When we lost our son at the age of 12 we asked the inevitable why? the answer given by our church friends was that God had given us the strength to cope. It didn’t feel like it at the time!.
The journey ahead is not going to be easy, but please its OK to cry, its OK to laugh and smile. Time doesn’t heal as such but gives us the strength to accept.
There will be times when you feel it is so unfair that your loved one is not with you at Family Celebrations, but he will be, as he is forever within your heart and memories.
There will be the “if only” times, when you see Evan’s peer group achieving things, getting married, becoming parents themselves, this we found particularly hard as we have been denied this.
Please do not be afraid to talk about him, amongst yourselves and your family and friends, they also have memories of him that perhaps will only come to light during these chats, we certainly found out things that our Dear Michael had done.
We send you all love from your family in England and will spend time on Tuesday in quiet as you say your final goodbye.
God’s blessing on you all to give you the strength and courage to deal with your tragic loss ,
Paul, Irene Helen and Jane x
Scott and Devon Petty
Our deepest condolences for your family. You are all in our thoughts. We remember Evan from when our boys played little league together. He was always such a good kid. Again we are so sorry for your loss.
Joe Strauch
The Strauch family shares condolences for your loss. Joe, Cathy, Cecilia, Janine & Allison
Wayne and Laura Stivala
Freedom, Kelly, Zack, Bryce, and Annika. Our hearts ache for you. We have watched your family embrace Christ and grow and love and give of yourselves. A couple of weeks ago we saw Evan at church, smiling, wearing his bow tie, and we said what a great kid he is, and how you are blessed to have him and you must be so proud. We are beyond disbelief that this has happened. We are truly, truly sorry for your loss.
Lauren Trent
My heart goes out to the entire Kongvold family and all of Evan’s loved ones during as they cope with the loss of such a wonderful person. I am so very sorry to hear of Evan’s passing. May he rest in peace and may his loved ones find comfort in the memories they share with him.
Dottie Buchner and family
To my dear friends Thor, Anne and your beloved family. We are so sorry for the loss of such a fine young man. May God give you comfort and strength during this very difficult time. Please know that my heart aches for all of you! Cherish your memories of the good times spent with Evan. He is in God’s loving arms now. God bless you all. Love, Dottie and family
Sheryl and Lyle Smith, Colorado
With tears in my eyes and a heaviness in my heart, I offer the only thing I can. Warm loving thoughts and prayers for this beautiful family. We did not know Evan well, yet we know he was a wonderful young man and rejoice that his kindness and love will live through others. You will not see us, however, please know that we will be with you as Evan is sent on to his next adventures. Hope you will feel the heartfelt hugs and undying love we offer.
Veronica Kenowsky
Kelly Freedom and family , my heart breaks for you all I am at a loss for words I am truly sorry for your loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers, my your faith help you through this difficult time
Terri
Looks and sounds like an amazing young man. God bless his family and friends. Heaven is so blessed to have another angel and this world was blessed to have him for 18 years. I am sure he touched so many lives.
Annette (Weist) Shepherd
I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathies to your family. May you find comfort in knowing he is Home with the Lord.
Stephen Sullivan
My prayers are with you . Sorry for your loss.
Gail Grimm
I never had the pleasure to meet your son or your family but my heart is full of sadness in your loss, of such a young handsome man. May God Bless you and your loved ones at this most difficult time.
Karen Van Fleet
Dear Freedom, Kelly, and family, please know that my heart and prayers are with you. If there is anything that I can do, please don’t hesitate to call. I am so sorry for your loss.
Katie (Coach Snyder) Staffaroni
I taught and coached Evan before I moved to South Carolina in 2015. He really was the most positive, outgoing, beautiful soul. I believe he knew what his purpose was here. His positivity lit up the classroom, and followed him everywhere he went. Sending wishes of the deepest condolences to Evan’s family, friends, and to Lackawanna Trail for their loss.
Amy & Greg Neugebauer
Dearest Freedom, Kelly, & Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We will keep you & your family in our thoughts & prayers. We are truly sorry. May God be with you and comfort you at this most difficult time.
Amy & Greg Neugebauer
Bob, Kim, Joyce, Rita, Jena, Chris, Jen and Chris (West family)s
Freedom, Kelly and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Evan. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you.
The Benedicts
Kongvolds,
We have been praying ever since we heard, and can’t imagine what you are going through right now. We are praying for the deepest grace, peace, and strength that God can provide. We love you guys, and if you ever want to talk or someone to pray with, please call us (free to Honduras – 2 hrs. behind) 570-851-0812, FaceTime together4honduras@gmail.com or Skype benedict.fam.
Scott, Steph, Zack and Ally Benedict
Judy Zabel
I just knew Evan a little bit. He made be laugh. He took Molli’s some of senior pictures and they turned out so nice.
My husband and I mourn with you and at the same time we rejoice that Evan lived a live that was full of love and laughter. I’m sure that Jesus welcomed him with “Well done good and faithful servant”.
May God bless you and comfort you as only God can do. We are praying for you and we know that God’s people are caring for you.
Carol & Bernie Creamer
Words are never adequate at a time like this but please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Your memories of Evan will be a blessing.
Albert William Olive
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friend!!!!! I am sorry for your loss!!!!
Scappatura family
Sending thoughts and prayers for God’s strength to surround your entire family during this sad time and for the days that lie ahead. Marisa sends special thoughts to Zach. Life is so uncertain but heaven is for sure. God bless.
Sincerely, Sue,Peter,Marisa,Emily and Julie Scappatura.
AnnMarie Novak
There are no words. May God embrace your family and give you the peace and strength required to know that you will be reunited in Heaven.
Amanda Hazlett
I am so sorry for your loss you are in my family’s hearts and we are all praying for you and ya family and we are thinking about you in this time if there is anything that we can do please let us know our number is 570-319-5912 anything
James R Snook
I didn’t know Evan or the family but I am a Christian and a member at Parker Hill Community Church. Please allow me to extend my condolences to your family. I will pray for your entire family during this very difficult time.
Nardimar
My dear Evan, I’m going to miss your jokes and amazing sense of humor. Helping me with the computer because I’m totally lost when it comes to technology, seeing you with your camera capturing all the beauty around…. Most of all I will miss seeing you play games with Julian. Hearing both of you laugh… Thank you for giving us so much joy this past year.
Tell Louis how much I miss him…. Till I see you again sweetheart ❤️
Kamille Reed
I am so sorry for the sadness you all are going thru with the Home going of Evan. What a portion Evan is enjoying now in the presence of Jesus. May you feel the arms of Jesus our Savior holding you and carrying you thru the days ahead. May you find comfort in knowing.. “For Jesus hath need of him.”
With much prayer,
Kamille Reed
Lavelle Family
We are so sorry for your loss, May god guide you through this time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Kate, Mercedes, Preston, Colby, Toby, & Liam.
Greg Holtman
I am so very sorry for your loss Freedom and family. Thoughts and prayers my friend.
Larry Alsum
Freedom, Kelly and Family:
We are sorry for your loss. We never met your son, but I cannot image the pain of losing a son and he sounds like a wonderful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are thankful for his faith in God and knowing he is in a better place now, but the pain of losing him still hurts. We will be praying for your family that God’s peace and comfort will uphold all of you.
Larry and Paula Alsum
The Nealon family
We send lots of love and prayers to the Kongvold family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Bob Meek
Freedom and family;
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. As I read the obituary, I gained a sense of goodness that Evan portrayed in his life. He must have been quite a guy and I’m sorry I never had the opportunity to get to know him. Know that you have many friends and we are praying for your family.
With love,
Bob Meek
Gail Byrnes
Those of us at Byrnes Farms wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Kongvold family for the loss of their son and brother. Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Danny & Bonnie Byrnes
Gail Byrnes
Michael Mathis