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1913 Evelyn 2006

Evelyn Litke

February 18, 1913 — November 27, 2006

Evelyn M. (Gau) Litke, 93 of Pierz, MN Feb. 18, 1913 - Nov. 27, 2006 Evelyn M. (Gau) Litke, age 93 of Pierz, MN passed away Monday, November 27, 2006 at the Meadow Ponds Assisted Living Care Center in Pierz, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, MN. Friends may call from 4:00-8:30 P.M. Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00-10:00 A.M. at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN. Christian Women will pray a rosary at 4:30 P.M. Wednesday afternoon at the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, followed by parish prayers at 7:00 P.M. and Knights of Columbus Office of the Dead at 8:00 P.M. Evelyn Mary (Gau) Litke was born February 18, 1913, in Pierz, Morrison County, MN to the late John J. Gau and Cecelia (Tembreull) Gau. She was baptized the same day at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz, MN. As a young girl, Evelyn grew up and attended St. Joseph's Elementary School in Pierz through the 8th grade. Classes were taught by the Catholic nuns entirely in German. Following her schooling, Evelyn worked at a music store in Pierz, owned by J.B. Faust, as a housekeeper and baby sitting in the evening for families in the Pierz area. Evelyn was united in marriage to Lawrence E. Litke on May 9, 1932 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz. Together Evelyn & Lawrence farmed for a short time in Hillman, Township Morrison County, MN. In the fall of 1933, Evelyn & Lawrence became Gambles Dealers and opened the Gambles Store in Pierz. With $150.00 in saving and a small loan of $200.00, Evelyn & Lawrence opened the Gambles Store on the south edge of Pierz. Evelyn operated the store while her husband Lawrence ran the implement business. In1935, the couple bought the old Pierz State Bank Building on Main Street and remodeled it. On January 22, 1940, an explosion in the garage attached to the store, destroyed the Litke families home, their business and nearly all their belongings. Gambles Corporation extended merchandise on credit to Evelyn and Lawrence, and by May of 1940, the couple rebuilt their store at the original location and the building still stands today. Evelyn was the cornerstone of the Gambles Store for 44 years while Lawrence operated the implement shop. In 1970, the couple retired to their home on 2nd Avenue NW in Pierz, selling the business to their son, Arvin. Evelyn enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening and sewing. Evelyn will be remembered for her unfailing love and for her generosity and kindness to friends and family alike. She was well known and respected in the community of Pierz, where she spent her entire life. Evelyn was also known for her skills in making quilts and her generous gift of time and talent to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, working the church bazaars and other community events. Evelyn is survived by sons & daughters, Arvin Litke & wife, Jean, of Pierz, MN, Raymond Litke & wife, Ruth, of St. Cloud, MN, Elmer Litke & wife, Jan, of Grand Rapids, MN, Larry Litke & wife, Virg, of Sullivan Lake, MN, Jake Litke of Pierz, MN, Melvin Litke & wife, Shelly, of West Fargo, ND, Diane Schirmers & husband, Willie, of Pierz, MN and Geralyn Sawyer & husband, Spencer, of Battle Lake, MN; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Litke of Pierz; sister, Genevieve Janson or Pierz, MN; 30 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren & 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, on April 2, 1975; son, Roland Litke on August 1, 2000; brother, Elmer J. Gau, infant brothers, Fridolin & Gilbert; sister, Olivia Meyer; grandson, Mark Litke and daughter-in-law, Sharon Litke. Casketbearers are Evelyn's grandchildren, Robert Litke, Alan Litke, Ken Litke, Mark Litke, Paul Litke, Stephen Schirmers, Matthew Litke, Keith Litke & Kristin Sawyer-Lyman. Honorary Pallbearers are Lucille Langer, Jeanette Menden, Betty Boser, Lolly Hoheisel, Charlene Meyer & Delores Watercott.

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