Evelyn Shellberg

MOUNT PLEASANT – Mrs. Evelyn Shellberg, 92, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Hospice House Racine on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

   Born in Manitowoc, WI on August 11, 1922, she was one of eight children born to the late Fred and Blanche (nee: Jirikovec) Kind.  Educated in Racine, she was a graduate of Horlick High School, where she sang with the Lorelei Glee Club.

   Following graduation, Evelyn began her employment with First National Bank and Trust Company.  As a bookkeeper, she worked alongside an arrogant, sarcastic, yet charming co-worker, Theodore Shellberg.  Over time he won her heart and became her husband on October 16, 1943.  They were blessed with 62 years of marriage before Ted passed away in October of 2005. 

   A faithful servant of God, Evelyn devoted much of her life spreading His message through several church programs, including visiting homebound church members, hosting Bible studies and singing in the choir.  Atonement, Emmanuel, Gethsemane and Mount Pleasant Lutheran have all been enriched by God’s work done through her.  In 1968, Evelyn began volunteering with Recovery, Inc. and served as a leader for over 20 years.   She showed love to others with her gifts of baked goods, knitted afghans and she found peace in gardening. 

   Evelyn is survived by her three children, Kathleen (David) Kuiper; Karen (Dennis) Martin both of Racine and Tedd (Vickie) Shellberg of Burlington; her eight grandchildren, Candace (Randy) Wood, Valerie (James) Svoboda, Matthew Martin, Joshua (Angela) Martin, David (Kaitlin) Shellberg, Marcus (Shannon) Shellberg, Timothy (fiancée, Jackie Lawrence) Shellberg, and Rebekah Shellberg; her seven great grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy (Robert) Schildt of Florida; her brother, Charles (Susan) Kind of Racine; as well as many nieces and nephews.  Welcoming Evelyn into God’s Kingdom were her parents, husband, four sisters, a brother, and granddaughter, Stephanie.

    Family and friends are invited to meet at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 South Green Bay Rd) on Thursday, November 6, 2014, for a visitation from 10 a.m. until noon.  A service celebrating and honoring Evelyn’s life will follow at noon with Rev. David Echelbarger and Rev. Christine Thomas-Echelbarger officiating.  A private interment will take place with her husband, Theodore who passed away in 2005, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be directed to the Meditation Garden at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church or to the church for food bank donations.   

   A heartfelt thank you goes out to the entire staff at Hospice Alliance for the truly exceptional attention Evelyn received while under their care.