Evelyn M. Schoephorster, age 100, died on Thursday, October 20, 2011. She was born September 6, 1911 in Troy township, Sauk County, the daughter of the late Charlotte "Lottie" (Baerwald) and John Padrutt. Evelyn attended a one-room school through the 8th grade, walking a mile each way. She graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1928 and received her teaching degree from Sauk County Normal in Reedsburg. She taught all 8 grades in a one-room school for four years, after which she taught primary grades in a state grade school for four more years.


She was united in marriage to Raymond C. Schoephorster on December 2, 1936 at the local church parsonage. The couple honeymooned with a drive to California and back in their "Merry Oldsmobile", a wedding gift from Ray's parents. In 1937 they moved into their new home on Water Street in Prairie du Sac, where Evelyn resided after Ray's death on June 30, 1990. Two daughters, JoAnn and Jan, completed this family. They enjoyed drives in the countryside, boating on the Wisconsin River, cabin life in the summertime, traveling, and a good game of cards. Evelyn was a willing volunteer and enjoyed community activities. She was a member of Concordia United Methodist Church, Cheerful Gleaners, Sunday School Class, United Methodist Women Ladies Aid and Missionary Society. She taught primary Sunday School and helped organize the first pre-school Sunday School. In addition she was a Girl Scout leader, served as Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a charter member of Sauk Prairie Hospital Auxiliary.


She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn (Harry) Jackman; four grandchildren, Carol Gelakoski, Timothy Beerkircher, Cheri Beerkircher (John), and Fawn (Jeff) Dyrud; four great-grandchildren, Jesse and Casie Walls, and Jaclyn and Samantha Dyrud; other relatives and friends.


In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Jan in 2009; a brother Clarence (sister-in-law Nora Unke); sister Olive Enge; and grandson Mark Gelakoski.


Grannie was a caring wife, mother and grandmother, who lived a wonderful long life surrounded by many friends and family.


A memorial service will be held at CONCORDIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Prairie du Sac, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 with Pastor Jeff Virchow officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery.