Evelyn E. (Maxner) Kohnke

Evelyn E. Kohnke, beloved wife of the late Sanford E. Kohnke, of Fairfield, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, May 13, 2023 after nearly a century of life at the age of 99.

Evelyn was most easily defined by her loving and caring personality. These qualities made her into an exceptional home health aide, as she naturally created a nurturing environment anywhere she was. She extended an open invitation to many to join her and her family during holidays if they did not have a place to go. To love Evelyn was also to love to laugh. She recognized that the best connections could be made with humor and always made sure to keep running jokes going; one thing her family will greatly miss.  Bingo was a huge part of Evelyn’s life; at times she would go out to play four times a week. The venue didn’t matter; whether it was a church hall, the casino, or her living room with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was always ready to play. Evelyn was a knitter and was also quite crafty. She enjoyed taking the time to make seasonal decorations to adorn her home at Christmastime.

Evelyn was a woman of strong faith and attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church every Sunday up until her late 80’s. Being the pillar of faith in the family set a beautiful example across the generations of her family as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are still very active in St. Paul’s to this day. 

Evelyn’s legacy continues on through her beloved children, Ellen and Sandy (Nina); her cherished granddaughter, Kimberly and her husband Scott; her most treasured great-grandchildren, Bailey, Braden, Kaylee, Maya, Riley, and Vanessa; her very special niece, Dorothy; as well as several other extended family members. In addition to her husband, Sanford, Evelyn was predeceased by her granddaughter, Amy, and her son-in-law, Bob. The Kohnke family would like to express their gratitude to her aide, Jacquie Kochel, for the exceptional care and companionship that she provided Evelyn with over the past several years.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10am at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects Friday, June 2nd from 5-7pm at the funeral home. 

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