Obituary of Evelyn Bernice WIDMANN

Evelyn Bernice Zastrow Widmann, Jefferson, WI, passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at Countryside Home. Born November 30, 1914 in Jacksonville, Illinois to William Otto & Wilhemina Hornickel Zastrow, Evelyn grew up in Milford, WI and graduated from Lake Mills High School . She married William Edward Widmann of Jefferson on February 23, 1935. He preceded her in death on June 23, 1974. She was known, lifelong, as "Billie" to family and friends. She graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1932. She received her teacher's training at the Jefferson County Normal School, graduating in June 1933. She began teaching career in one-room schools at Joeville (4 years), Union School (2 years), and Koshkonong School (2 years). She later returned to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, in 1968. She also earned Master's degrees from UW-Whitewater in Spanish and Library Science. She taught Spanish and English at Fort Atkinson and Jefferson High Schools until retiring in 1979. Evelyn lived with her husband on Rubilyn Stock Farm, raising registered Holstein cattle, growing peppermint and vegetable crops. Following the sale of their prize winning herd of dairy cattle, she then was a partner with Bill in the development of Rubilyn Subdivision in Jefferson. She remained active as a realtor and as a member of the Jefferson County Realtors Association. She also served as County Health Officer. Throughout her life, Evelyn was an active community volunteer, particularly with St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Young Mother's Homemakers, with the American Association of University Women, and, with the Jefferson Literacy Council. She was active with the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association. While still teaching, she began taking groups of students on tours to Mexico and Spain. This love of travel continued after her retirement as she organized and led tours to Spain, Mexico, Europe and other points around the world. She met many people on her travels. One time, while visiting Covent Garden in London, she introduced herself to Queen Elizabeth II. Her survivors include, Dr. R L Widmann of Boulder/Denver CO and Washington, D.C., Bill J. Widmann of Jefferson, and Rosemary Widmann Gruber, Donald F. Gruber, of St. Paul MN; two granddaughters, Lynn Gruber Stein and Michael Stein of Eagan MN, Ann Gruber Mack and Benjamin Mack of San Francisco CA; two great-grandchildren, Sophie Elizabeth Stein and Henry Francis Stein, Eagan MN; and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband William E. Widmann, parents William Otto & Wilhemina Johanna Zastrow, an infant brother, Edwin, sisters Irma Gruchow & Eloise Hoppe Draeger and brother, Colonel H. E. L. (Bud) Zastrow, USMC; half-sisters, Dorothy Zastrow Wright and Gertrude Zastrow, and half-brothers, Leonard Zastrow and Raymond H. Zastrow. A special thanks to all at Countryside Home for their care and compassion. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jefferson, WI on Saturday 27 October 2007 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark's Church