Evelyn Jean (Bardwell) FIBIKAR

BARDWELL, FIBIKAR, DAVIES

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

November 22, 1930 --- March 6, 2019

Evelyn Jean (Bardwell) Fibikar, 88, formerly of Clarion, Iowa, passed away at the Rotary Senior Living on March 6, 2019.

Evelyn was born to Leo and Blanche (Davies) Bardwell on November 22, 1930 in Galt, Iowa. She attended school in Galt, Dows, and Clarion. The family moved to Lindsay, California for a year before returning to the Dows area. Evelyn was recognized as a graduating member of both Dows and Clarion Class of “49 and attended reunions for both.

Evelyn married Raymond Dean Fibikar in 1948. To this union, a son, Roy Eugene Fibikar was born. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove before moving to Clarion. Together they managed the retirement apartments in Clarion known as “Southtown Apartments”. The couple divorced in 1985, and Raymond passed away in 2014.

Evelyn worked for 34 years at Clarion Memorial Hospital (now Iowa Specialty Hospitals) retiring in 1994. During her time there, she worked in many departments, but was a surgical technician at the time of her retirement. She was an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary helping to organize Bingo in the hospital basement and blood drives. She remained active with the hospital volunteering in the gift shop and welcome desk until 2017 when she suffered a stroke.

Evelyn was active in many things during her life having been a volunteer for Wright County Public Health, Wright County Hospice, Blood Centers of Iowa, Women’s Circle and Bible study at the United Methodist Church of Clarion, Resident Advocate for Clarion Nursing Home, and many other organizations. Evelyn had a passion for travel and visited nearly all 50 states. She took her mother to Hawaii shortly after her retirement and enjoyed visiting family in Connecticut, California, and Indiana. She collected rocks and spoons, post cards, and pictures from her many trips that were and are still cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To have a little extra “fun money”, she cleaned houses for people in the community, often only earning $5 per house.

Evelyn will be missed dearly by her friends, “adopted” grand kids, and extended family, but she will be especially missed by her grandchildren: Shawna, Shane, Dawn, and Marda; great-grandchildren: Rya, Jordan, Chandler, Samantha, Gage, Julie, Taylor, Tristen, Draven, and Caleb; step great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Marleigh, Morgan, Bianca; and great-great grandchildren: Jameson, Damian, and !sleigh. She will also be dearly missed by her daughter-in-law Donna, sister Maxine, brother Leon, and all of their families. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Blanche, brothers Otis and Emery, sister-in-law Barb, son Roy, and daughter-in-law Cheryl.

Services for Evelyn will be held June 1, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Clarion with a fellowship gathering/celebration of her life at the Swimming Pool Park (Tornado Park). Everyone is invited to attend and asked to wear something red to honor Evelyn. In lieu of flowers (because Evelyn always said she would rather enjoy them while she was alive) the family asks that you volunteer your time-check on an elderly neighbor or loved one, visit a local nursing home and play a game of cards with someone, plant a garden or some flowers-do anything to put a smile on someone’s face and in your heart. Memorials in Evelyn’s name can be directed to Iowa Specialty Hospital Clarion, The Meadows Assisted Living Clarion, Rotary Senior Living Eagle Grove, Gateway Hospice, or the Blood Centers.

Eagle Grove Eagle -- Eagle Grove, Iowa
May 23, 2019