Bigler, Evelyn Marie (Thorson) 1937 - 2024
BIGLER, THORSON, FOLKEDAHL, OLSGARD, FARLEY, PATTISON, SWANSON, CHALMAN, JOHNSON, MCCONNELL, CLEMENTS, GATES, PATTISON, REGAN, GULRUD, TRENKAMP, PHILLIPS-NOVAK, MCINTIRE, HOLTEN, BLAESS, DICKMAN, ELLINGSON, HOLTEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/26/2024 at 11:55:49
Evelyn Bigler, age 86, of Decorah, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah, IA.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA, with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday morning at the church. Burial will be in the Locust Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/1-RxcJfjnlc?feature=share
Evelyn Marie Thorson was born on July 22, 1935, to Ernest and Thelma (Folkedahl) Thorson in Spring Grove, MN. Evelyn is the oldest of eight children. At the age of six Evelyns family moved to Decorah where she attended Decorah Schools. In her teenage years, Evelyn worked at Sid’s Steakhouse, The Green Parrot, and Matters Ballroom, serving others with her cheerful personality. Evelyn attended Decorah Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed and later married the love of her life, Roger Bigler, on January 9th, 1955.
Evelyn and Roger established their first home in the Sattre area, north of Decorah, near Roger’s family farm. In 1966, Evelyn and Roger purchased their home farm north of Decorah, where they raised their four children and Evelyn loved the country life. Evelyn did everything from milking cows, tending to her chickens, planting, and harvesting a large vegetable garden, and preparing many meals for those working on the farm or stopping by for a visit.
St. John’s Lutheran Church played a significant role in their lives, with Evelyn actively participating in many ways including serving as President of ALCW, annual bazaar and ice cream social. Evelyn enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Bible School over the years, instilling a strong foundation of faith in her own children.
Evelyn also worked off the farm from time to time at Control Data, Sunflower Daycare, and as an Avon representative for 25 years. Evelyn and Roger worked diligently on the farm but also knew the importance of spending time enjoying life. Their extensive travels included many states within the U.S., Norway, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, Caribbean and many fishing trips to Canada where Evelyn was always excited to hook a big Northern.
Proud of her Norwegian Heritage she loved all things Norwegian. Evelyn was known for her kindness, patience, and quick wit, serving up one-liners with a charming smirk that brought laughter to the room. Evelyn's happiest moments were those spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring that no one left without a big hug and a warm smile. Evelyn will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by the all the lives she touched.
Evelyn is survived by her Children: Rhonda (Joe Farley) Olsgard, Decorah IA, Roxanne (Billl) Johnson, Harmony MN, and Robert Bigler of Ridgeway IA. Grandchildren: Christina (Aaron Pattison), Jeremy (Kerry Swanson) Olsgard, Justin (Kala Chalman) Johnson, Erica Johnson, Laura (JJ) McConnell, Leann (Lenny), Lindsey Bigler, and Faith Clements. Great Grandchildren: Tye (Kayla) Anderson, Kelly Gates, Blake and Drew Pattison, Mason (Meike Regan) Olsgard, Belle (Cael Gulrud) Olsgard, Graci Olsgard, Blake Trenkamp, Annalee, Wesley, and Lilly Johnson, Zander, and Zariah McConnell, Abriana (Brayden Phillips-Novak) Bigler, Landen Bigler, Ava Johnson, Layla & Kysen McIntire, and Zoey Bigler. Great-great grandchild: Azariah Johnson. Siblings: Janice Holten, Cedar Rapids IA, Nathan (Sandra) Thorson, Cresco IA, Phylliss Blaess, Burr Oak IA, Arthur (Linda) Thorson, Stevens Point, WI, Katherine Thorson, Ridgeway IA, Elton (Vicki) Thorson, Decorah IA, and Cheryl (Steve) McConnell, Decorah IA. In Laws: Ellen Dickman, Minot North Dakota, and David (Colleen) Bigler, Decorah IA and several nieces and nephews.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Roger Bigler; two children Rodney Bigler, and a baby in infancy, Daughter in Law: Barbara Bigler, Parents: Ernest, and Thelma (Folkedahl) Thorson, Father and Mother-in-Law: Elmer and Telvina (Ellingson) Bigler, Brother in laws: Howard Holten, Richard Blaess, Tommy Ellingson, Douglas Dickman, Kermit, Wilbur, George and Kenneth Bigler, Sister-in-Laws: Ethel Ellingson. Neice: Julie Holten and Nephews: Shane Holten and Caleb Thorson.
Source: Helms Funeral Home database
Locust Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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