Regina Evans, 99, of Dell Rapids passed away on Monday, May 13, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present is on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service is at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Catholic Daughters Rosary.
Regina was born on April 9, 1920 at Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of Jacob and Frances (Etringer) Welbig. She grew up on a farm near Dell Rapids and attended country school. She married Harry Evans Sr. on September 17, 1940 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. The couple moved to a farm east of Dell Rapids and started farming. They retired in 1981 and moved into Dell Rapids. Harry passed away on February 25, 1982. Regina remained in her home until 2009 when she moved into her apartment at Orchard Hills. She later became a resident of Dells Nursing and Rehab Center.
She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Mary Altar Society, an active member of Catholic Daughters of America, National Farmers Organization, and National Catholic Rural Life. Regina received her honorary high school diploma from St. Mary in 2006. She worked at Padre’s and volunteered at St. Mary School for over 25 years. She even had her own parking spot and seat for all St. Mary Cardinal’s home basketball games. Regina took great pride in feeding people and was able to whip up a feast on short notice. She always made sure everyone was well fed. She ate her dessert first to make sure she always had room for it, with ice cream being one of her favorites.
Regina was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six brothers and five sisters.
She is survived by her children, Lois (Ray) Brown of Dell Rapids, Harry (Tish) Evans Jr. of Rapid City, Gerald (Monica) Evans of Mililani, HI, Joyce (Jim) Cook of Easley, SC, Catherine (Russ) Kautz of Lewisville, TX, Evelyn (Kevin) Loof of Lincoln, NE and Robert (Krista) Evans of Tea; her sixteen grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great great-grandson; her sister, Agnes Ginsbach of Dell Rapids and her many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary School, St. Mary Church or Regina Grandma Evans Scholarship.