Obit: Lee, Evelyne C. (1919 – 2009)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Lee, Taylor, Ritchart, Lindner, Olson, Hanson,

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 14, 2009

Lee, Evelyne C. (26 October 1919 – 11 October 2009)

Evelyne (Ritchart) Lee, 89, of Merrillan, and formerly of Elroy, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at the Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls, parting life as she lived her life, with dignity as a lady.  She will be dearly missed.

She was born in the Town of Lisbon, Juneau County, Oct. 26, 1919, the daughter of Roy and Lulu (Taylor) Ritchart.  She attended grade and high school in New Lisbon, graduating in 1937.  From 1937 to 1941 she was a reporter for the Times – Argus Newspaper in New Lisbon.

Evelyne was united in marriage to Gilbert Lee.  They moved to San Francisco, where they lived for 2 ½ years, while Gilbert was engaged in carpenter work.  When Gilbert enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps in September 1943, Evelyne followed him in his training to many bases on the West Coast.  She worked at many occupations during this time – in banks and in civil service, etc.

Following the war’s end, Gilbert was discharged, and the couple moved to Elroy where they have made their home since that time. They owned and operated several businesses, Elroy Hardware, Lee Gas Company and Elroy Gas Company.  Evelyne was active in the offices of these businesses.

She enjoyed being a homemaker, wife and mother.  She especially enjoyed cooking, sewing, entertaining and her family.  Evelyne was a member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Gilbert of Merrillan; three daughters, Marcia (Kenneth) Lindner of Merrillan, Kathy (Wayne) Olson of Onalaska and Rebecca Lee of Merrillan; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marion (Clayton) Hanson of Clifton; and a brother, Donald (Lucille) Ritchart of CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Clayt, Stuart, Wayne and Roy Jr.

Private family funeral services will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy with burial at the New Lisbon City Cemetery.  Memorial funeral services celebrating Evelyne’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Elroy Public Library.

For online information and condolences go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.