Evelyn Medema

VERONA - Evelyn Martha Jenny Arriens Rechter Medema passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, at her home in Verona, Wis. She was born on January 5, 1934, in Waupun, Wis., to Max and Lisa Arriens. She loved sharing her birth story, “There was a blizzard, and the doctor could not make it to the house, so her father, aunt and uncle (Tante Gretchen and Uncle Fritz) delivered her. They thought she was a boy for quite some time until the doctor got there and said, 'It’s a girl not a boy.”  Oh, how she loved this story.

Evie was a straight A student and musically talented (vocal, piano and flute). She played piano for her church and for funerals while in high school. After high school she ventured to Milwaukee where she held the position of secretary to the Dean of Admissions at UW -Milwaukee. She met and married a German immigrant, Fritz Rechter. They met at a dance at Turner Hall, and they were married on June 19, 1954. After living in Germany for a few years, they eventually settled in Brown Deer, Wis., where they raised their three children.

Evelyn was an amazing wife and mother. She was a wonderful cook. You would find her canning, sewing, embroidering or quilting. Fritz gardened and she was the expert in preserving all the food so the family could enjoy it year-round. She was a certified piano teacher and taught in her home for many years.  Evie had a strong faith and loved singing in the choir at church.  She was always the only female alto. She became a young widow finding herself alone at the age 55. Being the strong woman she was, she accepted her path with grace. She re-entered the work market, spent quality time with her grandchildren and then moved to Neenah, Wis. to be close to her daughter. She lived in Neenah until 2018.

Evie married George Medema on June 28, 1997, in Neenah.   They enjoyed entertaining in nursing homes, vacationing and going south for the winter. She was welcomed into George's large family with open arms. George died in 2009, and Evie was once again a widow. In 2018 she moved to Verona to be close to her other daughter. She spent the rest of her life in Verona.  She was very happy at Noel Manor Retirement Home the last six years.  She was very proud of her homey apartment overlooking Redden Soccer Field and the green space.  Because of her artistic ability, she started to color as a hobby.  She had so many adult coloring books. Her front door was full of her artwork, and residents were welcome to take any artwork back to their own apartments.

Her life was full of love from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She was truly blessed and surrounded by so many who loved her.

Evelyn is survived by her three children, Chris Rechter (children, Fred, Elizabeth and Mary), Heidi Rechter (children, Carly, Lindsey and Jake), and Lisa (Jeff) Hesson (children, Sheena and Connor).  She is also survived by her stepchildren, Ken and Amy Medema, Gerry and Sue Medema, Larry Medema and Pam Medema Schregardus (Ken). She was very fortunate to share in the lives of many Medema grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Evie’s family would like to thank the staff at Noel Manor for the care she was provided the last few days of her life.  Also, special thanks to Brighton Hospice who were outstanding in helping Evie and her family with the transition to end of life.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761