Evelyn Rose Tegeler

Evelyn Rose Tonn Tegeler was born on April 25, 1926, to Paul and Emma (Wenthe) Tonn, Sr. in Buchanan County, Iowa. She was baptized in the Christian faith and spent her girlhood on the family farm. She graduated from Independence High School in 1943 and her class motto became one of her life's mantras: "This above all, to thine own self be true." After her graduation from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Evelyn was employed at KWWL Television and Rath, Inc. in Waterloo, Iowa, as an Administrative Assistant. She was the pitcher for the fast pitch women's softball team, the Rathettes. She met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Tegeler, and they were married in Independence, Iowa at Immanuel Lutheran Church on May 22, 1949, celebrating nearly 62 years of marriage until Bob died in 2011. Their relationship was filled with love, red roses, Ev's apple pie and Bob's original poetry, ending each evening with a game of cribbage, good conversation and the 23rd Psalm. Always a voracious reader, Evelyn was influenced by the writings of Albert Schweitzer, Dag Hammarskjold and Rachel Carson and spent a lifetime studying her Bible. Even when funds were tight, she always made room in the family budget for their tithe to the church and books for each family member. Their home was one of great hospitality with the coffee always on and a welcome for all. Evelyn served in community and church leadership and volunteer roles through her life and even was recognized by the governor of Iowa for her work. She loved playing cards, camping, reading, baking, knitting and crocheting . She even had a brief stint as the owner of a yarn shop to fuel her passion. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, she was thrilled on opening day this year when they won their game and was hopeful that this year, they would "win the pennant." Evelyn cultivated friendships everywhere they lived. They were able to call Waterloo, Sheldon and Sioux Center, Iowa home, but held a special place in their hearts for Spearfish, South Dakota and its beauty, which they enjoyed fully in retirement. Evelyn died Friday, April 12, at the Valley Eldercare Transitional Care Unit in Grand Forks under the care of Altru Hospice. Evelyn is survived by her three children and their spouses: Kathleen and John Fick, Grand Forks, ND; Alan Tegeler and Donna Peterson, Hope, ME; and Sharon and Brad Brandsrud, Watertown, SD. She is also survived by grandchildren Matthew and Heidi Fick, Anna Fick, Angela and Andrew Newton, Nate and Amy Peterson, Megan Brandsrud and David Brandsrud, as well as her great grandchildren, Elliot Kate Fick and Alex and Penelope Newton. She is also survived by one brother, Charles Tonn and several sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law as well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister and three brothers. Funeral services will be held at Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, on Saturday, April 27 at 11 AM, preceded by a visitation at 10 AM. She will be laid to rest this summer at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.