Evelyn Nelson

Evelyn Nelson passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. She was born on Feb. 8, 1915, in the Town of Brazeau, the daughter of John and Augusta Kopatz. Evelyn married Fred Charles Nelson in July 1930. They farmed in Bagley until Fred started work at the Suring Co-Op in 1946. The couple celebrated 64 years of life together before Fred’s passing in 1994. They had a winter home in Lehigh Acres, Florida, for 20 years, returning in summer months to be near family and friends. Evelyn continued to enjoy her Florida home and the beautiful yard until her eyesight failed. She returned to Suring in 2003, living in the Manor Apartments until she was 101 years old.

Evelyn was very creative, could sew anything, make her own patterns, and she cooked the tastiest comfort foods. She made piece quilts and crocheted many afghans for family and friends. While in Florida, Evelyn gathered seashells from Sanibel Island beaches and made a treasure of wreathes; she won blue ribbons at the Lehigh Acres Shell Fair. Her cinnamon rolls were the best, and she made them into her nineties. So far, no one in the family has found her magic touch. Evelyn also made cottage cheese pierogies; we couldn’t get enough of these.

Over the years, Evelyn and Fred had chances to travel. They traveled to Washington D.C., California, Yellowstone Park, Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto. They also took a trip to Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Germany, with a day cruise on the Rhine. Fred was fascinated by the engines powering the boat, while Evelyn sat on the front deck enjoying the vineyards and the castles on the hills.

When asked for her secret to a long life, Evelyn stated, “Stay on the good side, and stay with the Lord.”

Evelyn leaves behind four children: Jenevie Jensen of Milwaukee; Loretta Baxter of Franklin; Joan (Frank) Jones of Delavan; Charlette (Dave) Collins of Suring. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Augusta Kopatz; her husband, Fred; daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Frank Wyskochil; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Lyn Nelson; sons-in-law, Bill Baxter and Russ Jensen; grandson, Chad Caughey; granddaughter, Wendy Sue Wyskochil.

Visitation has been scheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Maple Valley Community Church from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Andrew Jantz officiating. Evelyn will be interred at Frostville Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be sent to the Maple Valley Community Church.

Thank you to The Bay at Suring and the angels who cared for Evelyn the last five years and to the Southern Care Hospice Team including Kristin, Erin and Chaplin Judy. Special thank you to Dr. Gremban and Dr. Maltinski.