Evanelle Jacobson

Evanelle (Evie) Gudrun Jacobson, age 80, of Westby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Gundersen Health Systems, under the tender care of their Palliative Services Team and Dr. Kyla Lee. She was born October 18, 1936, in Esofea, Wisconsin, to Robert and Alida Skaaland. She married Harlan Jacobson on June 29, 1957, and celebrated 52 years of marriage together prior to his death on October 15, 2009. Evanelle and Harlan made a beautiful life together and raised a happy family of three daughters, Amy (Tom VanEffen) Gardon, Kari (Zachary) Juadis, and Rachel Jacobson. Also surviving Evanelle are two grandchildren, Ruby Lo and Harley Juadis; one sister, Arlene Davidson; one brother Reuben (Jacque) Skaaland ; and two sisters-in-law: Denise Skaaland and Janice Jacobson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Evanelle was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert and Alida Skaaland, brother James Skaaland, brother Robert Skaaland Jr., brother-in-law Delbert Davidson, father and mother-in-law, Enor and Mabel Jacobson, and brother-in-law, Enor Maynard Jacobson. Evanelle graduated from Westby High School before attending Vernon County Teachers College, where she earned her teaching certificate for grades 1-8. Evanelle taught at Nerison School before relocating to Madison, where she and Harlan raised their family for 42 years. She was an active member in her church, Lakeview Lutheran, leading and serving on many committees and volunteering throughout the community. She worked in customer service at Sears prior to the birth of her first-born, Amy, and held various administrative positions at Telco Credit Union and TASC Insurance Company after the girls were in college. Evanelle loved to cook and bake, she was an artisan cake decorator, quilter, calligrapher, rosemaler, crocheter, and seamstress. She was an avid reader, writer, and educator at heart. Her first love, and most rewarding role in her life, was being a homemaker, wife, and mother. Evanelle and Harlan were called back to their Westby roots in 2000, where they enjoyed their hobby farm, canning and gardening, and reconnecting with the community through family and friends. They were active members of their church, Our Saviors Lutheran, where Evanelle held various leadership positions, served on multiple committees, and helped create many quilts for those in need. She was bestowed the honor of being crowned the Queen of Hearts by the Vernon Memorial Heart Center as a result of her dedication to cardiac rehabilitation and overall fitness. Evanelle was a loving, kind, generous, accepting, and nurturing person who always put others needs ahead of her own. She held tradition close to her heart, insuring that every holiday, birthday, or life event was a memory to be treasured. The Family would like to offer special thanks to the many family members, friends, neighbors, and community advocates that helped Evanelle maintain her independence, health, and strength into her final days. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 on Friday, November 18, 2016, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Friends and family may call from 4-6pm on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends may also call at the church from 10:30 until the time of the service at 11:30. Pastor Lorie Betz will be officiating. The burial will be at Our Saviors Cemetery in Westby, followed with lunch and fellowship at the church. On-Line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Westby, is serving the family.