Eva June (Torgerson) Wise, our family matriarch, passed away on December 28 at Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Chippewa Falls at age 96.

She was born and raised in Hayward, growing up with and marrying her high school sweetheart, Winslow Wise. Her parents, Ole and Thora Torgerson, were Norwegian and Danish immigrants who taught her the importance of education, which she valued all of her life. Eva June graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Education and from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a master’s degree in School Counseling. The majority of her 33- year career in education was spent working with students at Hayward High School, as both a language arts teacher and guidance counselor and director. She held volunteer positions with the Wisconsin School Counselor Association, Hayward Community Schools Educational Foundation, Northern Waters Library Service, Hayward Retired Teachers’ Association, Hayward Hospital Auxiliary, and the Hayward Antiques Club. Eva June was known as an avid reader, theater-goer, antiques collector, and bridge player, enjoying her friendships in the same bridge club for over 50 years. Above all, she was a smart, resilient and fiercely independent woman whom we cherished.

Besides her parents, Eva June was preceded in death by husband, Winslow (1959), daughter, Kristi (1977), and siblings Eleanor Grosch, Regina Miller and Anders Torgerson. She is survived by son, Karl (Barbara) and daughter, Nora (Paul Dalton); grandchildren Winslow Wise (Jenny Sligh), Noah Wise (Molli Rasmussen), Evan Halladay (Carole Jean), Phoebe Halladay Cook (David), Zoe Halladay Gadea (Marco) and Mitchell Halladay; her brother, Glenn Torgerson (Mary); 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Eva June’s life will be held on January 7th at the Hayward Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Hayward Community Schools Educational Foundation or the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library.

Last Update: Jan 02, 2020 5:25 pm CST