Evelyn Olesen

Evelyn Irene, daughter of Harold Andrew and Lois Pauline (Shoesmith) Long, was born May 6, 1927 at home on the farm in Orange Township, south of Coon Rapids, Iowa. She grew up and attended rural school in Orange Township. After completing her schooling, she held various jobs including housekeeping for other families in the area, babysitting and working in Des Moines for a short period. Evelyn was united in marriage to Harry J. Olesen, Jr. on March 15, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. To this union three children Connie, Michael, and Nick were born. Harry and Evelyn settled in the farming community to raise their family. While Harry was a true farmer at heart with a love and respect for the land, Evelyn was a true homemaker. She loved caring for her family and their home, cooking and baking. Evelyn was devoted to her children and their families and the love and support shown to her family knew no bounds. She was always known to lend a helping hand where needed and thought of others before herself. She and her husband supported the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids and made sure that their children attended Sunday School, confirmation classes and church camps. In her spare time Evelyn created beautiful handiwork. After the death of her husband in the fall of 2012, Evelyn remained in their home missing her husband terribly. She was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer early in 2013 and was able to remain at home with the loving care of her family until the Saturday before her death. She died peacefully on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 9 months and 22 days. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband and siblings Nancy Long, in infancy, Paul (Gladys) Long, Melvin Long, Howard (Rose) Long and Clayton Long. Survivors include her children Connie (Gordon) Gymer of Coon Rapids, Michael (Glenda) Olesen of Newton and Nick Olesen and his special friend, Liz Trimble of Coon Rapids; five grandchildren: Scott (Micky) Gymer, Deanna (Joe) Greving, Jana (Jason) Koch, Shawn (Amanda) Gymer and Emily (Kirk) Hughes; three step grandchildren, Missy (Bryan) Watson, Jodi Triplett and Jason Triplett; ten great grandchildren; seven step great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her brother Maurice (Angie) Long of Coon Rapids; two sisters Jessie (Earl) Olesen of Audubon and Helen (Rich) Monthei of Audubon; sister in law Ann Long of Statesville, NC; other relatives and many friends. Officiating Reverend Ben Ramirez Music "Whispering Hope" Organ Prelude "On Eagle's Wings" "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" "Go Rest High on That Mountain" Vince Gill Recording Marcia Young, Vocalist Jodi Ahrendsen, Accompanist Casket Bearers Scott Gymer Shawn Gymer Jason Koch Joe Greving Kirk Hughes Justin Gymer Honoray Casket Bearers Emily Hughes Deanna Greving Jana Koch Dennis Olesen Liz Trimble Amanda Gymer Karen Huhn