Evelyn Mable Rutz-Thornton (Zimmerman) passed away with her family at her side in Onalaska, Wisconsin on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Evelyn (Evy) was a remarkable 98 year old woman. She was born on March 18, 1926 in Coon Valley on her family farm and was the oldest of 11 children. Evy had a passion for helping others and was an active member of the community. She was a 4H leader helping young people develop food prep and sewing skills. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Church group, the Catholic Knights and the Moose Club. Along with her husband Donald Rutz, she spent years as lead house parents at Sienna Hall helping individuals with mental health needs. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling, playing Five Hundred, and dancing. She was a member of The Hundt Family Singers and performed at Nursing Homes and care facilities along with a Milwaukee Brewers game.
Beautiful inside and out, Evelyn lived her life with love and kindness. Taking care of her family and being with her brother and sisters brought her much joy. If all could have a mother like Evelyn, the world would be a better place. Her love will be deeply missed by all and forever remembered.
Evelyn is survived by her children: Terry (Kathy) Schams of La Crosse, Lynda (Charlie) Johnson of Onalaska, Pamela Schams of Oakland CA and Karen (Paul) Smith of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and step-daughter Pam (Rutz) Kohlmeier of La Crosse;17 grandchildren: Jason and Angela (Burroughs) Schams, Chris and Mary (De Merle) Schams, Terry and Kristen (Harris) Schams, Sarah and Darron Jeffers, Lori (Rutz) and Mark Koblitz, Jim Kohmeier, Zachary, Hallie, Nathan, Caleb, Mateya, Kiera Mazurkiewicz, Owen Smith, Adam and Melanie (Berg) Narish, Jessica (Johnson) and Jeff Young, Casey and Cara (Wons) Narish, Abigail (Narish) and Nick Kemske, and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 1 sister: Eunice Kaiser; 3 brothers: Jim and Brenda Schmidt, Jerome and Marlene Schmidt, and Alan and Bonnie Schmidt.
Evy was preceded in death by her parents: Marie Schmidt and her dads: Peter Schmidt and William Zimmerman; her husbands: Gerald Schams (divorced), Donald Rutz. and Waymouth Thornton; 5 sisters: Betty Wein, Millie Roesler, Loretta Walters, Donna Thompson, Sharon Friet ; and 1 brother: Peter Schmidt.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brookdale in Onalaska who helped Evy for the last 3 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church, W2601 State Road 33, La Crosse. Visitation will begin at the church from 9:30am until the time of the Mass.
Donations received will go to the charity of your choice or to St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church.
Monday, January 13, 2025
9:30 - 11:00 am
St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church
Monday, January 13, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am
St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church
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