Evelyn (Veit) Struemph, age 86, of St. Elizabeth, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Westphalia Hills.  She was born on August 4, 1937, daughter of the late Clem and Mathilda (Grafe) Veit.  On July 11, 1964, Evelyn was united in marriage to Lawrence Struemph, who survives at the family farm in St. Elizabeth.  From this union, seven children were born, Dale (Traci) Struemph, Pat (Tim) Frazier, Roy (Linda) Struemph, Carl (Janice) Struemph, Ken (Lynn) Struemph, Alan (Paula) Struemph, and Jason Struemph.

Family was the significant core in Evelyn's life.  She will forever be in the hearts of many as a loving wife of 59 years, a strong and caring mother of seven children, an amazing grandmother to nineteen, loving sister, faithful godmother, great neighbor, and a gracious host to the many that had the privilege to be seated at her kitchen table.  Evelyn had a strong work ethic in everything she did.  Lawrence and Evelyn, together, ran the family farm and for numerous years a butcher shop.  Evelyn did many jobs but took great pride in the millions of pounds she wrapped diligently in the meat processing for others that came from miles around for the quality they provided.

Evelyn took special pride in the care of her chickens.  She gardened, canned many fresh fruits and vegetables, and enjoyed playing cards.  She loved eating fish, but will be forever remembered for the selfless acts, her fresh iced tea and homemade cookies.  There was always room for one more at her table.  Family always came first.  Above all else, she was the grandmother that pulled her grandchildren up to the counter at a very young age and taught them how to use the stand mixer and cook the absolute best recipes.  It wasn't long until she showed them all the tricks to sweet rolls, chocolate chip, monster, and sugar cookies, and ice cream dessert.

Evelyn was blessed with nineteen grandchildren, Ana Hooper, Robert (Leslie) Hooper, Samantha (Brandon) Baugh, Paige Struemph, Audrey Struemph, Ciarra Frazier, Devan Frazier, Trevor Struemph, Kayla Struemph, Mara Struemph, Tyler (Lyndsey) Struemph, Mackenzie (Aaron) Luke, Levi Struemph, Brooke Struemph, Ross Struemph, Danyelle (Dustin) Libbert, Destinee Schulte, KayCee Struemph, and Aleesha Struemph; eleven great-grandchildren, Julian, Collin, Blake, Austyn, Hamilton, Annalynn, Grayson, Arya, Khira, Kellan, and Maren; three sisters, Rose Kempker, Delphine Wolken, and Dorothy Veit; brother, Charles (Diane) Veit; sister-in-law, Ruth Veit; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Georgia (John) Berhorst; two brothers, Clem Veit Jr., and Harold Veit; and two brothers-in-law, Virgil Kempker and Dave Wolken.

Evelyn was a faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 5 p.m., on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.