Evelyn Julia (Welk) Schwab

Mass of Christian burial was held Sept. 9, 2024, in Strasburg, N.D., for lifelong Strasburg resident, Evelyn Julia (Welk) Schwab, who passed away peacefully at the Linton Regional Medical Center on Sept. 4, 2024, a day after she celebrated her 95th birthday. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Evelyn Welk was born on Sept. 3, 1929, to Mike and Catharine (Hager) Welk, the oldest of four children. She was born and raised on the Welk family farmstead that her grandparents, Ludwig and Christina (Schwan)

Welk, settled on in 1893. Growing up on the farm, Evelyn’s days consisted of completing chores, including gathering the eggs and milking the cows, which were two activities she did not enjoy. Unfortunately, her life drastically changed at the age of 16 when her mother passed away from leukemia. Evelyn had to grow up quickly. Her role in the family changed from being the oldest sibling to becoming a motherly caretaker to her three younger siblings. Due to the demands of farm life, her father was unable to tend to the children and complete the farm chores, thus, Evelyn had to drop out of school in the eighth grade to care for her younger siblings: Edna (12), brother Edwin (8) and baby sister Diane (2). Years later, she obtained a high school degree and was extremely proud of this accomplishment!

Somehow, despite all of her responsibilities, she found the time to strike up a romance with the love of her life, Larry Schwab. They were married on a beautiful Indian summer day in Strasburg on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1950. Shortly thereafter, Larry left to complete his military service in the US Army. They bought a farm northwest of Strasburg and started a family with the birth of their first child in 1954. Evelyn brought seven children into this world, including a set of twins, which was a surprise! Unfortunately, their second child and only son, baby John, died shortly after his birth. Larry and Evelyn were always proud of their six daughters. They believed that a strong emphasis on religion, faith and education were the backbone of a successful family. Larry and Evelyn were happily married for 73 years.

Evelyn was a member of St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. She was the oldest surviving member of the St. Peter & Paul’s St. Mary’s Society and Germans from Russia. She was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Evelyn was a wonderful mother and grandmother; a great cook and gracious host, an excellent gardener and had exquisite penmanship. She enjoyed sending heartfelt notes and cards to family and friends. She loved decorating and celebrating the holidays! Evelyn was a devoted partner to her husband. She knew farming intimately and spent her entire life in that noble calling until they moved to Strasburg just a few short years ago. It was an emotionally wrenching experience for Evelyn to even think about visiting the farm and home they’d left behind. She missed it so very much.

Evelyn was proud of and close to her uncle, bandleader Lawrence Welk. She played an important role in the development of the “Welk Heritage Foundation” as well as refurbishing of the Welk Homestead. She worked and gave tours at the site for many years. Later the Welk birthplace was obtained by the North Dakota State Historical Society who continue to operate it today. Evelyn was interviewed and participated in the Germans From Russia heritage documentary, “The Women Behind the Plow,” which can still be viewed on Prairie Public TV today.

Evelyn will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her six daughters and their families: Michele & Paul Olson; Laura & Ralph Towery along with their children: Kaitlyn & Brenton Green and their daughters: Juliet and Genevieve; Dane & Becky Towery and their daughter, Evelyn Kate; Kim & Bob Knutson and their families, Chad & Justine Knutson and their children: Madelyn & Bobby; Jesse & Jade Knutson and their daughter, Amelia, and Brooke & Jesse Smith; Dana & Mark Kramer and their children, Mason, Logan, Madelyn and Tyler Schwartz and their son Graham; Delrae & Gary Hulm and their children, AnnaLee and Colin; Cathy & Jeff Larshus and their daughters: Abby & Micah; and sister Edna Schwab (who was married to Larry’s brother James). In addition, she is survived by in-laws: Florence Klein and Jerry Klein; LaVerne & James Feist; Antonia Baumgartner; Betty Covey; Adeline Pelster; Gloria Meier as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Larry; baby son John; her parents; brother Edwin; sister Diane, and so many dear friends, cousins, and inlaws.

Evelyn leaves this world a beautiful legacy of love and gentleness in the people who loved her most!

Arrangements were made through Sannes Feist Family Funeral Home in Linton, N.D.