Evan Nels Thorpe of Rochester and Kasson, Minnesota passed away on September 18, at Saint Mary's Hospital of the Mayo Clinic. Born a twin on December 13, 1985, Evan was a "gentle giant" - gregarious, intelligent, and fun-loving - a person much loved by his family and friends. Known for his big bear hugs, bushy beard, and chortling laugh, he loved a good party or joke amongst friends and family.

In his earlier years, Evan participated in soccer, baseball, and hockey and excelled in chess. Always a team player, he enjoyed the camaraderie of team sports (where he was nicknamed "the Thorpeinator" by his hockey teammates for his defensive skills). Evan graduated from Century High School in 2004 and from Bemidji State University in 2009. He was employed by Merit Contracting in Rochester.

In 2014, Evan met Karina Swanson, his life partner, and together they built a house and started a life together in Kasson, Minnesota. Evan was Dad to Karina's son, Brody, and they enjoyed being surrounded by supportive friends and family.

Evan loved everything about the outdoors, and was an avid waterfowl hunter, deer hunter, and bass angler. He was especially proud of his 10-point buck and 5-pound smallmouth bass - both true trophies to any outdoorsman. Summer visits to the family cabin on Lake Crystal near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were one of Evan's favorite things. Fishing, swimming, tubing, fish fries, and general frolicking were always part of the fun. He was also an avid and inventive chef, cooking and smoking the wild game and fish he harvested.

Evan was preceded in death by his fraternal twin brother, Ethan, paternal and maternal grandparents, and cousins Terry and Alex Shiota. He is survived by his loving parents Erik and Eileen Thorpe of Rochester, Minnesota; sister Erin (Brendan) Venti of San Diego, California; partner Karina Swanson and son Brody Swanson of Kasson, Minnesota; uncle Odin (Connie) Thorpe of Waukesha, Wisconsin; uncle Michael (Jane) Murphy of Englewood, New Jersey; aunt Kathleen (Yoshinobu) Shiota of Owings Mills, Maryland; Aunt Jennifer (Fred) Frankenfield of Sterling, Virginia; and eight cousins.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota, will conduct an on-line video memorial service on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 AM CDT. To view the service, go to the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home Facebook Page, where it will be broadcast via Facebook Live. Following the service, Evan will be interned alongside his twin brother, Ethan, at Oakwood East Cemetery, Rochester, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Nature Conservancy. To donate in Evan's memory: 1) go to www.nature.org 2) click on "Membership & Giving" at the top of the page; 3) click on "Other Ways to Give"; 4) click on "Honor Someone Special"; 5) click on "Make a Memorial Gift" and enter the required information to make your (tax deductible) contribution. The outdoors, and protecting it, was important to Evan.

Gone too soon, Evan, his raucous laugh, and bear hugs will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Thorpe family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com