Evelyn Illies

Evelyn M. Illies, age 94 of Melrose, formerly of Elrosa, died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 3 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa. Rev. Jeff Ethen and Rev. Ken Thielman will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Christian Mothers will pray at 7:30 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Evelyn Illies was born January 7, 1914 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Deters) Meyer in Meire Grove, Minnesota. On May 10, 1938 she married Andrew Illies at St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple farmed near Elrosa after their marriage and moved into town in 1976.Evelyn was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa, Christian Mothers, and Saint James Society of Catholic Aid. She was an excellent cook and quilter. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching the Minnesota Twins, playing cards and BINGO. Evelyn loved to spend time with her family.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Betty Fuchs of Paynesville, Robert (Margie) Illies of Belgrade, Doris (Charles) Stueve of Grey Eagle, Roger (Janice) Illies of Cold Spring, Marilyn (Sam) Stanger of Elrosa, Kenneth (Betsy) Illies of Belgrade, and Andrew Illies of Elrosa; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Illies of Elrosa; 22 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; sisters, Pauline Imdieke of Melrose, and Olivia Schmiesing of Sauk Centre; brother, Francis Meyer of Meire Grove.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Andrew on July 4, 1981; son, Duane Illies; son-in-law, Kenny Fuchs; great-grandsons Aaron and Trevor Fuchs; great-great-granddaughter, Madelyn, sisters, Della Welle, Catherine Korf, Regina Illies, Hilda Meyer, and Erma Welle; brothers Henry and Bernard Meyer.

Serving as casket bearers will be Rick Illies, Tim Illies, Patrick Illies, Bob Fuchs, Joe Stanger, and Brian Stueve. Cross bearer will be Jackson Illies and scripture bearer will be Lisa Weimerskirch.