Evelyn M. Brown

Evelyn M. Brown, 101, Galesburg, formerly of Wataga, died on Friday, November 18, 2016, 7:28 AM, at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Evelyn was born on February 21, 1915, in Arcadia Wisconsin; later moving to Winona, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Daniel and Susan (Wismolek) Mc Cabe. She married Wendell K. Brown on November 8, 1937 in Decorah, Iowa, and was blessed with 75 years of marriage before his passing on August 12, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Gerald, Laverne, Merill, Donald, and James; and two sisters, Arlene and Thelma. Evelyn is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends;  brother – in – law, Robert Brown of Mukwonago, Wi; and sister – in- law, Shirley Houston of El Cajon, Ca; also extended family, Ken (Janet) Russell of Wataga; local niece, Shirley (Bill) Pelton of Knoxville; and niece, Betty (Bill) Knight of Edgerton, Wi.  Evelyn lived in St. Louis, Mo, where she worked as "Rosie the Riveter" during the war and retired as a bookkeeper at Grass Moving Company. She loved music and played in a band called the "Smiling Stars" at an early age. She was the choir director at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wataga; where she also worked in the office. Evelyn volunteered at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and was a member of Tuscarora Study Club.  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016, 11 AM, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wataga. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow services at the Wataga Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be donated to St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.   Thanks to all the caregivers at Rosewood and Hospice Compassus, Love Aunt Evelyn.