Evelyn G. Jahnke

Evelyn G. Jahnke, age 97, of Parkers Prairie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at St. William’s Living Center surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, November 8, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, North Effington with Rev. Dennis Angland officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Gloria Hollatz and soloist, Greg Watcher. Interment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m., Sunday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Evelyn Gertrude Zinter was born on November 23, 1923, to Carl and Dora (Wangerin) Zinter in Effington Township. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in North Effington. Evelyn graduated District 218 in 1937, and worked as a cook/milk maid until she was united in marriage to Edward Jahnke on April 8, 1942. The couple farmed at a number of locations in Effington Township until Ed began working for Alexander Construction of Apple Valley in 1962, and then moved to Parkers Prairie. In 1975, they moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota where they resided until retirement in 1981, and then returned to Parkers Prairie.

In her 97 years, Evelyn saw many changes and experienced many things. Going from farming with horses to tractors, rural electrification, radio, TV, and finally computers. One of the things she enjoyed most was old time dancing. She and Ed were avid dancers, easily gliding across the dance floor, spending as much time out there as possible and staying for the last dance. Having lost two children at birth, she held her children especially close showering them, and eventually her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her love and worrying about their welfare constantly. She was strong in her faith as it was an integral part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two daughters, Connie and Bonnie; parents; sister, Luverne Hollatz; eight brothers-in-law; six sisters-in-law; and special friend, Arlo Peterson.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Donald (Peg) Jahnke of Parkers Prairie, Patsy (Roger) Ruckheim of Parkers Prairie, Larry (Veronica) Jahnke of Parkers Prairie and The Villages, Florida; grandchildren, Sandra Ruckheim of Deer Creek, Allan (Barbara) Ruckheim of Burnsville, Gary (Jodie) Ruckheim and Kenneth (Tania) Ruckheim both of Parkers Prairie, Steven Jahnke and Susan (Larry) Nalls of Joppa, Maryland, Meghan Jahnke of Henning, Lee (Tasha) Jahnke of Washington, D.C., Heather (Paul) Flatley of Ashland, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Kailee (Kevin) Larson, Tate Ruckheim, Hanna (Logan) Milligan, Grace Ruckheim, Jacob Ruckheim, Austin Ruckheim, Abby Ruckheim, Zachery Ruckheim, Morgan Nalls, Matthew Nalls, William Flatley, and Ryan Flatley; along with many other relatives.

Pallbearers are Tate Ruckheim, Jacob Ruckheim, Austin Ruckheim, Zachery Ruckheim, William Flatley and Logan Milligan.