In Loving Memory Of
Evelyn Florence Rottacker
Evelyn Florence Rottacker, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Peoria, AB, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021, at the QEII Hospital at the age of 88 years.
Evelyn was born in a little log cabin in Peoria on May 23, 1931, to pioneers, Frank and Emilie Graumann. She was raised on a farm in the Smoky area along with her older sister Eleanor. Evelyn received her education in the one room school in the basement of the local church.
Evelyn married Warren Rottacker in September of 1953. He had announced to his parents when he was a 7 year-old visiting tiny baby Evelyn, that he was going to marry her and he remained true to his word. Evelyn lived most of her life in the Peoria-Smoky area before moving with Warren to Grande Prairie in 2011.
Evelyn was a very hard worker and a close companion to Warren in dealing with whatever was at hand, whether it was working the land, operating equipment, hunting (which included patiently waiting for Warren for many hours), dealing with bears on the property or beaver dams in the dugout. Evelyn deeply felt his loss and companionship when he suddenly passed away in 2013.
Evelyn was a special, loving auntie to her sister Eleanor’s children: Trudie, Glenn (Dalyce), and Anneli (Alan).
After Warren’s passing, Evelyn routinely came out to the farm, Trudie’s property in the South Wapiti. Here, Evelyn continued her love for gardening and being helpful when four days prior to her death, she delighted in helping Trudie put the garden in as Evelyn had done for many years. Evelyn mentioned that she planted her pansy pots a little differently this year, less close together as she felt they would do better with more space. Many happy times occurred at the farm with Trudie, Anneli and Alan. Hearing her stories of adventures with Warren or in her childhood was such a treat. Whenever Glenn was asked if he wanted to pass on his love to auntie, he would manage a strong affirmative “yes!” despite his advancing Alzheimer’s.
A lifelong Christian, Evelyn’s faith was strong. She enjoyed reading her Bible, listening to sermons and inspirational music; especially if that music was provided by family. Joining sundown worship Saturday evening over the phone with Trudie, Anneli and Alan the last year was a special treat, and her family enjoyed listening to her thoughts and insights that she shared after the reading. Evelyn also enjoyed helping Trudie with decorating the children’s classroom at church. She was already thinking about the quarter ahead and the pictures she would need for decorating.
Evelyn was a modest, unassuming, warm, and genuine person. Her humor and variety of interests made her a great conversationalist and listener over the years as many friends and family, such as cousin Ed and cousin’s daughter Dorothy can attest to.
Evelyn enjoyed simple living. She particularly liked cats, foxes, seeing wildlife, tracking the weather, reading, keeping up with the news, crocheting beautiful items, doing jigsaw puzzles, and picking berries.
A common saying Evelyn had was, “Before you know it, it’ll be snowing” or “Before you know it, summer will be over.” She had a way of announcing this about six months ahead of time and you know?, turns out she was right! Well, before you know it, we’ll see her in the Resurrection Morning!
Evelyn is survived by nieces: Trudie Comm, Anneli (Alan) Laws, Merlo (Lonnie) Sulzle, Valerie (Vern) Simanton; nephew Glenn (Dalyce) Comm; sister in-law Dolly Waggoner; brother in-law Leonard Rottacker; cousin Edgar Boettcher; great nieces Naiomi (Joshua) Neufeld and Sarah Solbrekken; great nephew Chris Laws; as well as sadly missed by many close family and friends.
Evelyn was predeceased by husband Warren Rottacker; sister Eleanor Wade; parents Frank and Emilie Graumann; parents in-law W.J. and Dolly Rottacker; sister in-law Elva Olsson; as well as brothers in-law Calvin Rottacker, Russel Rottacker, and Howard Rottacker.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 18, 2021, at 1:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home following pandemic restrictions at that time.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Bible Society (9820 104 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 1E4) or to the charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Evelyn Florence Rottacker May 23 1933 May 30 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta