Mathelda A. "Tillie" Evans (nee Tjugum), 99, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2011, at Cedar Lake Health and Rehab.

She was born on Sept. 6, 1911, in Lodi, the only daughter of Norwegian immigrants John and Anna (nee Dahl) Tjugum, where she grew up on a farm. She attended local schools, graduating from Lodi High School in 1928. Tillie went on to attend Milwaukee Normal Teacher’s College and graduated with an elementary education degree. She taught in Pardeeville and Horicon before marrying C.E. "Cy" Evans in 1939. They settled in Waukesha before moving to West Bend in 1950. After her children were in school, Tillie returned to teaching in 1957 and taught kindergarten in the Kewaskum School District until her retirement in 1976.

Her husband passed away in 1975, and she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ernest and Robert.

She is survived by her three children, John (Sandy) Evans of Big Cedar Lake, Carol (David) Zoerb of Oostburg and Cathy (Jay) Pick of Rockford, Ill.; six grandchildren, Laurie Evans Helberg (Scott), Michael (Patty) Evans, Heidi Zoerb, Mari Zoerb Hansen (Dan), Erin Pick and Hilary Pick; and four great-grandchildren, Christopher and Tyler Evans and Erika and Megan Hansen.

Tillie loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, a member of West Bend Woman’s Club, the Washington County Retired Teachers, Eastern Star, an avid bridge player and was very active until the last few years. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress and enjoyed bike riding and walking in her West Bend neighborhood well into her 80s.

The funeral service to celebrate her long life will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1044 S. Silverbrook Drive, West Bend, on Thursday, June 16, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Darin Wiebe presiding. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W Paradise Drive, West Bend, with continued visitation at church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park following the service. Memorials may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Chestnut House at Cedar Lake Home for their exceptional and loving care.