On January 6, 2013 one of God's finest examples of how to live life on earth passed. Caring for everyone she touched, never a bad word for anyone, and she maintained every friendship she made for life. And there were many friends.


Evelyn was born May 20, 1920 in Hartford, WI to I. Francis and Evangeline Herbes. She graduated from St. Ann's/Loyola Nursing School and joined the Woman's Army Corp., serving as a 2nd Lt. in France during WWII. For 60 years she showed her pride in her country and the sacrifices that were made by wearing her cape, hat and officer insignia at the Merrimac Memorial Day event. In 1947 she married Rudy Raschka and moved to Alaska where they began their family. In 1952 they moved to Merrimac, WI where they ran the Merrimac Cafe/Bar. Rudy retired from Oscar Mayer in 1979 and they enjoyed their retirement with many years of traveling and visiting the friends they had across the U.S. and Canada.


Evelyn cherished her friends in Merrimac and walked a groove in the sidewalk to be at the daily Merrimac coffee clutch. She loved walking, nature, and her family. Her smile and the glimmer in her eyes was so sincere and loving. She had a special place in her heart for her family on the Munsee-Stockbridge Reservation. She loved Jesus. She was so proud of her grandchildren. And she was the best mom in the world.


Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy, in 2006 after 59 years of marriage; 2 sons, John and Peter Raschka; son-in-law, Larry Wendt; and 8 siblings, Rose Komp, Lucy Algiers, Genevieve Miller, Theresa Perez, Florence Favour, Francis Herbes, Edward Herbes and Werner Herbes. She is survived by six children, Francis (Deb), Rosemary Wendt, Joseph, Jane (Ron Coffell), Herb (Dianne), Rita (Tom Collins), 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.


A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Merrimac, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013. A visitation will be held at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013.