Evelyn (Rose) Heldt, age 82, of Barron, was called home to Heaven on October 20, 2019.  She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.

Evelyn was born on May 23, 1937 in Eldora, Iowa to William and Marie (Schuneman) Rose.  She graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1955.  On June 3, 1955, Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, John Heldt, at the First Baptist Church of Steamboat Rock.  John and Evelyn moved to Wisconsin shortly after they said their vows.  They wasted no time in starting their family, with three sons and one daughter.  The family moved a few times, settling back in the Barron area in 1970.

Over the years Evelyn worked as a waitress, a cook for Barron Area Schools, and drove semi-truck with John before retiring.

She was a devout Christian and a talented organist who enjoyed playing at the Baptist churches she was affiliated with.  She also enjoyed crocheting, cooking, baking, camping, attending bluegrass gospel music festivals, and spending time with her family.  She was known best for her excellent cooking, but her homemade buns and potato salad were savored the most by loved ones.

Surviving are her devoted husband of 64 years, John of Barron; sons, Randy (Sharon) Heldt of Cameron, Ron (Althea) Heldt of Barron, Bruce (Vicky) Heldt of Cameron; daughter, Debra (Philip) Gruenhagen of Long Lake; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; twin sister, Eleanor Folkerts; sister-in-law, LaRita Rose; brother-in-law, Roger Heldt; many nieces and nephews; and her sweet dog, Zoey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard Rose; brothers-in-law, John Frerichs and Dean Folkerts; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Heldt and Anna Heldt.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Hope Baptist Church in Rice Lake with Pastor Darrel Robinson officiating.  Visitation will be held for one and a half hours prior to the service at the church.  A graveside service will be held at Wayside Cemetery in Barron following the celebration of life. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Evelyn’s memory to the Humane Society of Barron County at www.hsbcshelter.com or the American Heart Association at www2.heart.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. 

Last Update: Oct 24, 2019 7:35 am CDT