Evelyn Roethle Wears Jackelen was born 9-18-1917 to Ignatius and Laura Roethle in Boardman, Wisconsin. She was the second of 8 children. Evelyn at an early age proved to be very clever in her sewing skills, cooking skills and resourcefulness. Even though Evelyn was forced to quit high school after her freshman year for financial reasons, she was a quick study and anxious to learn outside of the classroom. She became a trusted nanny and housekeeper for a family in St. Paul, MN. Evelyn married Philip A. Wears in St. Paul, MN June 14, 1940. They lived in New Richmond where their first son was born. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska where three daughters were born. They then moved to Amery, Wisconsin where the next 4 children were born. They resided in the oldest house in Amery where she lived for the next 62 years. After the death of her husband, Philip in 1958, she opened the first Amery daycare and raised her 8 children who at the time ranged from 8 months to 16 years of age.
She took care of many Amery families during the 9 years she had her daycare. To this day the kids she cared for remember her fresh rolls and jams. They had much delight in playing with the bricks and Lincoln logs she provided. She then went to work as a sales clerk for B&B Clothing and worked there 8 years. Evelyn married Charles Jackelen June 24, 1973 and enjoyed traveling and making many new friends. After Chuck's passing in 1985, she took up bridge, read extensively and entertained her family.
Evelyn served three terms as Altar Society President at St. Josephs Catholic Church and was very active in fund raising, Christmas pageants, and church dinners. Evelyn was very creative in clothing and feeding her children on limited resources. Evelyn was able to design clothing, was artistic and never let anything go to waste. She was an exceptional gardener and took great delight in her flower beds. Summer always brought fresh bouquets to the table.
Evelyn passed away November 15, 2013 with all of her children by her bedside at age 96. We know she had a hard time leaving her family but she heard her call and her faith carried her home. Her spirit lives on in all she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Philip, her husband, Charles, her son Alan, 4 brothers, son-in-law John Peper, Grandson Matthew Kozak and stepsons Mike and Tom Jackelen.
Survivors are: Karen (Don) Henrikson, Missoula, MT, Sandra (Ed) Nihiser), Wanderoos, WI, Sylvia (Carl) Kozak, Hayward, WI, Lois (Stan Proden) Peper, Curtis (Susan) Wears, Sidney (Lee) Jones, Ray Wears, all of Amery, WI, 1 stepson and 1 stepdaughter, 25 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, 3 sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews, including special godson, Gary Koehler.
In lieu of flowers memorials to the Wears Family Scholarship or St Joseph's church would be appreciated.
Visitation will be at Williamson-White Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 4 to7:30 p.m. with Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Burial will be in the Amery Cemetery.