Evan C. Berquist
Evan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend—thoughtful, kind, and endlessly curious. He built a life grounded in love, intellect, and quiet strength and devoted himself to the people he loved.
This space is a tribute to Evan’s life and legacy. Here, we remember his generosity, humor, and deep empathy; we celebrate his spirit; and we carry forward the love and lessons he left with each of us.
Obituary
Evan C. Berquist
43, a beloved husband, father, and son, died unexpectedly on May 9th, 2025.
Evan was born in St. Paul, MN to Alice and Charles Berquist on January 27, 1982. From the very beginning, Evan was a thoughtful, kind, intellectual, and fun person with an uncanny knack for connecting with people. He was the best older brother to Blake Berquist, constantly playing with, picking on, guiding, and supporting him. He graduated from St. Paul Academy before going to Colorado College, where he studied history and Spanish and graduated with honors.
Evan met his wife and best friend, Laura K. Berquist (née Walski), during a college trip to the Pacific Northwest. It was obvious they were going to be partners for life from the start. They formed a deep connection, exchanging handwritten love letters at a time when communicating by email and text message was prolific. Evan and Laura supported each other through first jobs in far flung places, graduate and law school. They married in August of 2010.
After college, Evan leaned into his love of language and adventure. He worked at a hot dog factory in Costa Rica and then at a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, supporting democracy-strengthening programs in Latin America. Evan attended Stanford Law School in northern California and clerked for a federal judge in Puerto Rico.
It was in Puerto Rico where Evan and Laura had their son, Tim. They enjoyed exploring the island together and taking life slowly. Work opportunities brought them back to St. Paul, where they welcomed their daughter, Sasha. Evan loved Tim and Sasha with all of his heart. He was never happier than when reading with Tim and talking about the wide world. They were fierce wrestling competitors in the swimming pool. Evan cherished and supported Sasha’s creativity. He and Sasha could often be found working together on imaginative writing, self-publishing many stories and humorous cartoons together. Evan admired Sasha's joy for acting and was so proud watching her perform. In the evenings, Evan and Laura would get lost in long conversations, often staying up too late in the process. They connected over long walks with their dogs, Tilla and Penny.
Evan continued his career in Minnesota, working in private law practice for the next 12 years, most recently for Maslon LLC. He dedicated significant time to his pro bono work, helping many organizations in the Twin Cities, and was recognized for his important work with many accolades. In his free time, Evan appreciated simple times with loved ones. Golfing with his mom, brother, and friends. Taking trips. Teaching his kids how to bodysurf in big waves. Evan was always reading— devouring any book, newspaper, or magazine in sight.
Evan faced chronic pain with quiet determination for most of his life, confronting it privately through research, physical therapy, and medical protocols. In recent months, Evan endured difficult injuries, his health challenges intensified, and his mental health suffered. He sought help and worked tirelessly to get better. Despite his courageous efforts and the devoted support of his family, Evan’s illness and pain became too much to overcome.
Through it all, Evan remained a loving father, playmate, and partner to Laura, Sasha, and Tim. He will be dearly missed and loved forever.
Evan is survived by his loving wife Laura Berquist and two children, Tim and Sasha Berquist; parents Alice and Charles Berquist, brother Blake Berquist (Andrea Larson) and many family members and friends whom he loved.
A memorial gathering for Evan Berquist will be held on Saturday, June 28, at 3:30 PM, at University of St. Thomas- James B. Wolf Alumni Hall, located in the Anderson Student Center (2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, NE corner of Summit and Cretin Ave’s) with visitation beginning at 2PM until start of our memorial service in James B. Wolf Alumni Hall. Please join family in reception following service. Full notice appeared in previous edition. Arr. O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, 651-698-0796.
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Please share your condolences or share your memories of Evan.
July 24, 2025
July 7, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Evan at Maslon before I retired. He was a great lawyer and a wonderful person, and I miss him.
As I prepared for retirement, I entrusted Even with several client relationships that were very meaningful to me, because I knew that he would not only give them great service, but would also treat them with care and respect.
One of these clients was a retired cardiologist named Maurice, who has invented a new heart valve and is trying to commercialize the invention. Evan helped him with some difficult contract negotiations. Later, when Maurice heard about Evan's passing, Maurice was greatly saddened and wanted me to pass along my sympathies as well as this observation. Maurice said that, as a doctor, it is important to be a calming presence to people who are facing a difficult situation. Maurice observed that Evan possessed this quality - in his calm, firm way, he was able to address a situation and make the client feel assured that it was being handled the right way, and that everything would be okay. I thought this was a very apt description of Evan's gifts.
Evan will be missed greatly by everyone at Maslon who knew him.
As I prepared for retirement, I entrusted Even with several client relationships that were very meaningful to me, because I knew that he would not only give them great service, but would also treat them with care and respect.
One of these clients was a retired cardiologist named Maurice, who has invented a new heart valve and is trying to commercialize the invention. Evan helped him with some difficult contract negotiations. Later, when Maurice heard about Evan's passing, Maurice was greatly saddened and wanted me to pass along my sympathies as well as this observation. Maurice said that, as a doctor, it is important to be a calming presence to people who are facing a difficult situation. Maurice observed that Evan possessed this quality - in his calm, firm way, he was able to address a situation and make the client feel assured that it was being handled the right way, and that everything would be okay. I thought this was a very apt description of Evan's gifts.
Evan will be missed greatly by everyone at Maslon who knew him.
June 27, 2025
I’m so very saddened to hear this news, for although I met Even only a few times at Stanford Law School alumni events, I remember his kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm for life. He impressed me with his dedication to pro bono and public service, and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest personal condolences to Evan’s family, whom I know he loved more than anyone or anything in the world. Evan leaves behind memories no one can steal.
June 25, 2025
When I think of Evan the first thing I think of his smile and his little giggle, which was both infectious and comforting at the same time. I feel so fortunate to have met him and live with him during my junior year at CC. He listened like no one I've ever met and when he spoke, I listened better than I ever have. For such a formidable intellect he had such a disarming way about him. He could talk to anyone about virtually anything and be totally engaged.
We bonded over our shared love of the Spanish language and South American history and our relationship grew from there. He was such a special human and I miss him dearly. I love you, Evan.
We bonded over our shared love of the Spanish language and South American history and our relationship grew from there. He was such a special human and I miss him dearly. I love you, Evan.
June 24, 2025
We shared this tribute on the Maslon website in honor of our partner Evan:
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our colleague and dear friend, Evan Berquist, on May 9, 2025.
Evan joined Maslon two years ago as a partner in the Corporate & Securities Group, where he was a talented and valued member of our team. Evan assisted entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, board members, and in-house counsel with a wide range of legal needs, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, employment matters, and financing transactions.
A native of Minnesota, Evan earned his law degree from Stanford Law School in 2011 and then clerked for two years for a federal district court judge in Puerto Rico, which suited him well as he was fluent in Spanish. Evan spent over a decade in private practice, most recently at Cozen O'Connor, before joining Maslon in 2023.
Evan dedicated significant time to pro bono efforts involving technology education for disadvantaged youth in Minnesota and East Africa. He also won a federal court case that allowed First Lutheran Church in St. Paul to keep operating a shelter for homeless individuals. He was honored for that work with an Excellence Award for Pro Bono Service by the Hennepin County Bar Association in 2020. Evan was also recognized as an Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer and a Minnesota Rising Star as part of the Super Lawyers selection process.
Evan was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. Maslon extends its deepest condolences to Evan’s wife, Laura, their son and daughter, and their other family and friends.
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our colleague and dear friend, Evan Berquist, on May 9, 2025.
Evan joined Maslon two years ago as a partner in the Corporate & Securities Group, where he was a talented and valued member of our team. Evan assisted entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, board members, and in-house counsel with a wide range of legal needs, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, employment matters, and financing transactions.
A native of Minnesota, Evan earned his law degree from Stanford Law School in 2011 and then clerked for two years for a federal district court judge in Puerto Rico, which suited him well as he was fluent in Spanish. Evan spent over a decade in private practice, most recently at Cozen O'Connor, before joining Maslon in 2023.
Evan dedicated significant time to pro bono efforts involving technology education for disadvantaged youth in Minnesota and East Africa. He also won a federal court case that allowed First Lutheran Church in St. Paul to keep operating a shelter for homeless individuals. He was honored for that work with an Excellence Award for Pro Bono Service by the Hennepin County Bar Association in 2020. Evan was also recognized as an Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer and a Minnesota Rising Star as part of the Super Lawyers selection process.
Evan was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. Maslon extends its deepest condolences to Evan’s wife, Laura, their son and daughter, and their other family and friends.
June 20, 2025
I’d say Evan was like another big brother to me growing up, but that doesn’t quite capture it—he never treated me with even a hint of “little sister” condescension. Instead, even when I was an elementary school and middle school brat, he seemed to care about what I thought and felt, and found ingenious ways of making me feel special and seen. What a way in the world. I was struggling with a chronic illness back then and I’ll never forget him taking me to play tennis one day when I was feeling up to it. He was so sweet and encouraging the whole time, and then right at the end threw a series of comically aggressive serves at me that shocked me and left me scrambling… and then left us both in a heap of laughter. That’s how I will always remember him: the funniest person in the world. And the care he showed me— I hold it dear to this day and always. <3
June 20, 2025
In Loving Memory of Evan
I had the privilege and honor of teaching Evan during his final years of high school at SPA. He was a gentle soul—curious, thoughtful, and full of quiet humor. What set Evan apart as a learner wasn’t just his commitment to learning Spanish, but his desire to use the language as a bridge to connect with others, to understand cultures beyond his own. I was always proud of him, not just as a student, but as a truly extraordinary human being.
As his teacher and mentor for a short but meaningful time, I was deeply moved when Evan, as a student at Colorado College, chose to spend a semester at the University of Havana in Cuba, my native country. Knowing that one of my former students would live and study in Cuba, alongside Sam Polk, navigating life under the Castro regime, filled me with awe and pride.
Years later, after he had returned, Evan came to our home one evening. We spoke entirely in Spanish for hours. Listening to him talk about his experiences in Costa Rica with such fluency, confidence, and joy reaffirmed everything I had always seen in him—a genuine love of learning and an open heart to the world.
It is deeply painful for me to write this. It’s hard to accept that Evan is no longer with us, that I won’t be able to embrace him again or hear his voice. But I pray that now he is surrounded by angels in the glory of God, as he so deeply deserves.
I, and all of us, will carry him in our hearts forever. And we will smile when we think of such a remarkable young man: a beloved son, friend, husband, father, and human being.
Evan, te quiero y te extraño.
Rolando Castellanos
I had the privilege and honor of teaching Evan during his final years of high school at SPA. He was a gentle soul—curious, thoughtful, and full of quiet humor. What set Evan apart as a learner wasn’t just his commitment to learning Spanish, but his desire to use the language as a bridge to connect with others, to understand cultures beyond his own. I was always proud of him, not just as a student, but as a truly extraordinary human being.
As his teacher and mentor for a short but meaningful time, I was deeply moved when Evan, as a student at Colorado College, chose to spend a semester at the University of Havana in Cuba, my native country. Knowing that one of my former students would live and study in Cuba, alongside Sam Polk, navigating life under the Castro regime, filled me with awe and pride.
Years later, after he had returned, Evan came to our home one evening. We spoke entirely in Spanish for hours. Listening to him talk about his experiences in Costa Rica with such fluency, confidence, and joy reaffirmed everything I had always seen in him—a genuine love of learning and an open heart to the world.
It is deeply painful for me to write this. It’s hard to accept that Evan is no longer with us, that I won’t be able to embrace him again or hear his voice. But I pray that now he is surrounded by angels in the glory of God, as he so deeply deserves.
I, and all of us, will carry him in our hearts forever. And we will smile when we think of such a remarkable young man: a beloved son, friend, husband, father, and human being.
Evan, te quiero y te extraño.
Rolando Castellanos
June 20, 2025
I got to know Evan when he was representing First Lutheran pro bono. I was the ED of Listening House, a daytime drop in center for adults experiencing homelessness. Listening House had moved out of downtown St. Paul to the basement of First Lutheran and both the church and the nonprofit were facing challenges to our permits soon after the move. I will never forget a meeting with Evan, the pastor of First Lutheran, the attorney representing Listening House, and the city council member. We were in our humble space in that church basement. Evan had laryngitis and could hardly talk, and the council member was going off about how the people we served didn’t belong there and she was doing her best not to let anyone else speak. Evan kept interrupting, and used all the voice he had to brilliantly speak truth to power. He had so much passion for justice and righteousness. This comes to mind: Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Evan and I stayed in contact after I left Listening House. He was a bright light and the world is dimmer without him. I am so grateful to have known him.
June 19, 2025
Evan and I connected when I began pursuing my legal career. He was a kind and friendly mentor. He offered to take me and my young family out on the St. Croix River, and I regret never taking him up on that offer. When Evan was at Cozen, I met him in City Center a couple of times to get lunch at Los Ocampo. Now I work in the same building and think of him whenever I get lunch. I was looking forward to seeing him more and discussing our shared careers and our O'Brien family stories. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
June 18, 2025
Evan was like an older brother to me in middle and high school, a friend I looked up to. I followed him to Colorado College. One visit with Blake to see Evan and I didn't apply to any other schools. Evan introduced me to his friends and professors. He helped me pick classes. He was a mentor and truly cared. Evan was one of the smartest people I've ever met. He was kind soul with a great sense of humor. I will miss him.
June 17, 2025
Evan and I became close friends through golf. He would always show up at 8:59 for our 9:00 am tee time. Even without warming up, Evan would crush his first drive down the middle of the fairway. We partnered in several club tournaments. Evan won many of our matches with incredible shots, usually in dramatic fashion on the 18th hole. Evan never took credit and was so modest and humble regarding his many achievements on and off the golf course. I enjoyed texting Evan after matches as we replayed each hole. He was always so encouraging (and then send me golf videos to help improve my game). While golfing, Evan shared many great stories about his family and his love for Laura, Tim and Sasha. I know Evan took great pride in his pro bono work and always wanted to help to those in need. Evan was an amazing golfer, but an even better person. I will miss Evan dearly and always remember his kindness, and our special times together on the golf course.
June 17, 2025
I knew Evan as a kind and thoughtful soul. Easy to talk to and always with a comforting smile. The kind of guy you would just look at and, somehow, instantly know he was a good person. I’m grateful to have known him, and so sad to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
June 13, 2025
I went to law school with Evan, and I’ll always remember him as kind, quick-witted, and quietly brilliant. He had a remarkable ability to speak insightfully about almost anything—from Middle Eastern politics to Latin American cultural and social trends to best practices for rescuing pets in the developing world.
I remember Evan once described himself as a “consistent bogey golfer.” But every time he and I played together in school, his game far exceeded that label. To me, it reflected Evan's calm and consistent pursuit of excellence and perhaps some sandbagging.
Evan will be deeply missed. I am so grateful I got the chance to know him.
I remember Evan once described himself as a “consistent bogey golfer.” But every time he and I played together in school, his game far exceeded that label. To me, it reflected Evan's calm and consistent pursuit of excellence and perhaps some sandbagging.
Evan will be deeply missed. I am so grateful I got the chance to know him.
June 11, 2025
I attended church with Evan at Messiah Episcopal in St Paul, and stayed in touch over the years. His fierce intellect and positive personality made an impact on me and I would go to him for advice about challenges I faced. I saw his obit by chance and am sorrowed to see his life cut short. Love and prayers for the family.
June 10, 2025
Evan and I worked at Maslon LLP together during his brief tenure as a partner at the firm. Evan was one of my go-to corporate attorneys when I had clients with business law needs and counsel. He was a brilliant lawyer, but most importantly he was a good dude with a sense of humor who treated everyone with dignity and respect. He will be sorely missed at the firm.
June 9, 2025
One spring break in college, just Evan and I planned a road trip from CO to WA. The day before we left, Evan told me he didn't drive stick (ha), so I did the driving and he did the DJ-ing. It was a wonderful, memorable trip driving through a beautiful area of the country listening to music, talking, and generally feeling care-free as twenty-somethings on the road. It was on this trip that Evan met Laura for the first time-- a meeting I've always been very proud to be a part of.
Over the years, when I have mentioned Evan to other friends, I routinely described him as "the smartest guy I know." Evan was, indeed, brilliant... but also humble in how he shared and used his intelligence. Not long after he and became roommates in college (and before I knew Evan very well), I got a poor grade on a paper but was given the chance to rewrite it. Evan offered to read it over for me and give me some suggestions. Despite my embarrassment over the grade, I took him up on that. Later, Evan and I both became lawyers. He was one of the first people I called when I was experiencing work-related anxieties or wanted to run a potential career opportunity off someone. Evan always asked great, meaningful questions and always was a source of encouragement and support. He remembered random details I had told him weeks or months or years before. His humility, generosity, and compassion was also on display in the pro bono work he did as an attorney--on top of an otherwise incredibly demanding work schedule. Evan was a warm, generous person loved by many-- a truly great man. I am honored to have spent meaningful time with him.
Love you, Evan. I will really miss you. - Brian
Over the years, when I have mentioned Evan to other friends, I routinely described him as "the smartest guy I know." Evan was, indeed, brilliant... but also humble in how he shared and used his intelligence. Not long after he and became roommates in college (and before I knew Evan very well), I got a poor grade on a paper but was given the chance to rewrite it. Evan offered to read it over for me and give me some suggestions. Despite my embarrassment over the grade, I took him up on that. Later, Evan and I both became lawyers. He was one of the first people I called when I was experiencing work-related anxieties or wanted to run a potential career opportunity off someone. Evan always asked great, meaningful questions and always was a source of encouragement and support. He remembered random details I had told him weeks or months or years before. His humility, generosity, and compassion was also on display in the pro bono work he did as an attorney--on top of an otherwise incredibly demanding work schedule. Evan was a warm, generous person loved by many-- a truly great man. I am honored to have spent meaningful time with him.
Love you, Evan. I will really miss you. - Brian
June 8, 2025
Evan and I were two of 7 Evans in our graduating class from Colorado College. Naturally, we were empathetically bound by our otherwise rare handle.
Evan was one of the kindest people I have ever met. His energy was calm, yet his wit was sharp as a tack. Evan's intellectual brilliance made a reputation for himself among our small class at CC, yet he never wore it on his sleeve. He was as approachable as they get, as genuine as they come.
When I think of Evan, I remember this image. Ear to ear, surrounded by friends, most of whom are unable to smile when prompted - at least he was paying attention.
Berquist will be dearly missed by all that knew him. May we all bring Evan's kindness to the world in his absence.
Evan was one of the kindest people I have ever met. His energy was calm, yet his wit was sharp as a tack. Evan's intellectual brilliance made a reputation for himself among our small class at CC, yet he never wore it on his sleeve. He was as approachable as they get, as genuine as they come.
When I think of Evan, I remember this image. Ear to ear, surrounded by friends, most of whom are unable to smile when prompted - at least he was paying attention.
Berquist will be dearly missed by all that knew him. May we all bring Evan's kindness to the world in his absence.
June 8, 2025
Evan was one of my favorite people to talk to. About anything. He was one of those people who engaged with you with total presence, calm, care, and intelligence. It made him a wonderful person to go to for advice, or to shoot the breeze with. Evan was generous with his time and attention and I always felt better and richer for having spent time catching up with him. I'm grateful to have had the chance to receive his wisdom and friendship and to hang out in his magical light. I carry those wonderful parts of Evan with me.
June 8, 2025
I remember Evan's kindness.
I don't recall there ever being anyone that said they didn't like Evan. He was a steward of meaningful conversation and always listened with his full attention.
He made everyone feel valued.
Love you Ev!!!
I don't recall there ever being anyone that said they didn't like Evan. He was a steward of meaningful conversation and always listened with his full attention.
He made everyone feel valued.
Love you Ev!!!
June 5, 2025
In 2004 I lived with Evan for a short time when he was working at a "Hot Dog" factory in Costa Rica. He loved getting to the beach on the weekends and taking Tilla everywhere! One thing Evan could not stand in Costa Rica was the roads. He drove a small Honda Accord and in the short time I was there he blew out two different tires from hitting pot holes (rims needed to be fixed as well), and we needed to take a five hour tow truck drive because his radiator blew out going over one of the mountain passes. On this car trip his car was a bit overloaded because he was taking one of the drivers at the hot dog factory and his family to see a small farm they were thinking of buying. This was quintessential Evan. His ability to connect with people from all over the world and deeply care about them was super special. — Evan Berquist and Tilla walking on the beach. Look at that Minnesotan Skin!
June 5, 2025
We spent Halloween 2011 with Evan and Laura in Puerto Rico! We had a blast dancing the night away. Evan was working for a federal judge there at the time and dressed up as Ivan! This was a special time for both our families as we each found out right about then that we were having our first kids. — with Luke and Jenna Galli and Laura and Evan Berquist
Service
From Evan's wife, Laura:
Thank you for all the love you are showing our family as we navigate the loss of Evan.
We would love for you to join us in sharing memories of Evan's extraordinary life. We are holding a memorial gathering on Saturday, June 28th, at the University of St. Thomas Anderson Center in Wolf Hall. Join us for visiting at 2pm and a memorial service at 3:30.
Evan loved sharing perspectives, gathering stories, and writing down what he learned. We hope getting together and sharing in these ways will help us all remember his brightness.
We will share refreshments and company afterwards.
Thank you for all the love you are showing our family as we navigate the loss of Evan.
We would love for you to join us in sharing memories of Evan's extraordinary life. We are holding a memorial gathering on Saturday, June 28th, at the University of St. Thomas Anderson Center in Wolf Hall. Join us for visiting at 2pm and a memorial service at 3:30.
Evan loved sharing perspectives, gathering stories, and writing down what he learned. We hope getting together and sharing in these ways will help us all remember his brightness.
We will share refreshments and company afterwards.
The University of St. Thomas,
Anderson Student Center
James E. Wolf Hall
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN
Anderson Student Center
James E. Wolf Hall
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN
Saturday, June 28th at 2pm; 3:30 memorial service
Donate
In loving memory of Evan, a devoted father, brilliant mind, and loyal friend. Evan touched so many lives with his warmth, humor, and relentless curiosity. To honor his legacy and support the future of what he loved most—his children—we’ve created a scholarship fund in their name.
If you’d like to contribute, donations can be sent via:
Venmo: @jpwalski48 (c/o Laura’s Dad, last 4 digits are 7132) with the note “Berquist Scholarship.”
Check: Checks can be made out to John Walski with a note "Berquist Scholarship" and sent to:
Berquist Scholarship (C/o John Walski)
2982 Caroline Ct
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Thank you for helping carry forward Evan’s love and hopes for his kids.
If you’d like to contribute, donations can be sent via:
Venmo: @jpwalski48 (c/o Laura’s Dad, last 4 digits are 7132) with the note “Berquist Scholarship.”
Check: Checks can be made out to John Walski with a note "Berquist Scholarship" and sent to:
Berquist Scholarship (C/o John Walski)
2982 Caroline Ct
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Thank you for helping carry forward Evan’s love and hopes for his kids.
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