Student remembered as cheerful, fun-loving

Mr. Dalgaard's friends plan on wearing bright colors to his funeral.

By Elliot Njus

Published April 22, 2008

MU freshman Evan Dalgaard always tried to use his sense of humor to brighten someone’s day, friends said.

Mr. Dalgaard died Saturday in a traffic accident in Tuscola, Ill. He was 19.

Darcy Swacker, a friend of Mr. Dalgaard from when they attended Kirkwood High School, said he would light up any room he walked into.

She said Mr. Dalgaard loved telling jokes and making people laugh.

“He just loved being goofy and fun and making everyone happy and making sure everyone was having a good time,” Swacker said.

That’s why his friends plan on wearing bright colors to Mr. Dalgaard’s funeral, he said.

“He'd definitely want us to be having a good time,” she said. “We’re all trying to celebrate his life instead of mourning.”

Swacker said when Mr. Dalgaard attended Kirkwood High School, he played Pioneer Pete, his high school mascot, for football and basketball games.

“He was the first one to get everyone riled up for anything,” he said. “That was kind of like his everyday life.”

In high school, Mr. Dalgaard was also a member of the pep club and president of the school’s service club.

He graduated with honors and was concerned with maintaining his grades, Swacker said.

Mr. Dalgaard also played soccer and baseball for Kirkwood High School, Bret Dalgaard, his brother, said.

At MU, Mr. Dalgaard was an active member of the Evans Scholars.

Frank Harris, a friend of Mr. Dalgaard and fellow member of the organization, said Mr. Dalgaard chose MU because of a scholarship he was offered, but he was offered substantial scholarships to play soccer at other schools.

Harris described Mr. Dalgaard as a “goofball.” He said he and Mr. Dalgaard enjoyed playing practical jokes, but only with the intent of cheering up their targets.

“We would just mess with people to brighten their day and brighten ours, too,” he said. “Everything was a joke.”

Sophomore Joe Lammert, a member of Evans Scholars, said Mr. Dalgaard was “goofy,” but with a purpose.

“He was just one of those people you know was a good guy,” he said.

He said Mr. Dalgaard always kept his door open and was friends with everyone he met.

“He put a smile on your face,” he said. “That’s really what he was all about.”

Bret Dalgaard said his brother was dedicated to his friends and made new ones easily.

“All I ever heard is how he would meet new people and make a bond with them,” Bret Dalgaard said. “He always had good things to say.”

Mr. Dalgaard was always concerned about others, Swacker said.

“He would put anyone above himself,” she said. “If I had a problem, he would drop whatever he was doing.”

Mr. Dalgaard is survived by parents Joan and Kirk Dalgaard and brothers Bret, 18, and Erik, 23.

Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Lucas United Church of Christ.