Evelyn J. Thunell

A great woman, Evelyn Joyce Thunell (nee Lagerfeldt) of Quinnesec passed away at the age of 93 on September 28, 2021. She died peacefully at her daughter's home in Cooksville Wisconsin, surrounded by the love of her family. Ev was born at home in Granite Bluff, Michigan on November 18, 1927 to Wilfred and Elizabeth (Cowling) Lagerfeldt. She was joined by sisters Jeanette ("Sis"), Marjorie, Nancy, and a brother, Franklin, who died as an infant. Ev loved to say "rough and tough from Granite Bluff" which brought smiles to her face even at the end of life. Ev graduated from Kingsford High School in 1945. She attended business school in Milwaukee. In addition to raising five wonderful children, she held many jobs. She worked as a secretary for a metal works factory in Green Bay. She was the Westwood School secretary (nurse's aide, teacher's assistant, recess supervisor, and lunch room lady who made everyone eat their peas), JCPenney clerk, secretary to the Iron Mountain postmaster, and ended her career as the postmaster in Sagola. Evelyn and her three children, Jonathan, Bruce Allen, and Marilyn Mann married Ernie Thunell on August 17, 1957, at the Presbyterian Church in Iron Mountain. The family moved from Aurora, WI to Quinnesec in 1958, where Ernie and Evelyn were blessed with two more children, Barbara and Roger. They shared 53 years of marriage before Ernie's passing in 2010. Ev was involved with youth organizations when her children were young. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and held many leadership positions, taught Sunday School and VBS, and was a member of the Martha-Rachael Women's Circle. Ev and Gert Spencer were longtime leaders of the Nimble Thimbles 4-H club. She served as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader. Ev was a member of Royal Neighbors of America and the VFW auxiliary. Ev and Ernie enjoyed traveling to stay with family in Hawaii, Alaska, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Michigan. They also enjoyed driving or flying to Ernie's WW II army reunions and to Ev's postmaster conventions. Ev lived and reflected God's love, patience, and grace to all. She lived her life simply and with integrity. She was practical, kind, humble, and generous. All five kids can attest to her melodic whistling heard in the house, outside in the garden, or hanging clothes on the line. Evelyn is deeply missed and survived by her children, Jonathan Mann and his wife, Bea; Bruce Allen Mann; Marilyn Reed and her husband, Dave; Barbara Thunell; and Roger Thunell and his wife, Cherie. Her six grandchildren whom she loved deeply-Brian Reed; Jeff Reed; Matthew Mann; Erick Thunell; Carina Thunell; and Elijah Thunell and his father, Michael Ward. She is also survived by her four great- grandchildren whom she cherished- Ava and Quinn Reed, Aidyn Mann, and Naia Evelyn Reed. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and wonderful Quinnesec neighbors of 60 years-- the Strehlow's, Rose's, and Alberti's. She valued and loved her Presbyterian church family. She is further survived by her sisters and their spouses, Jeanette "Sis" and George Gillette, Marjorie and Gene Churchill and Nancy and the late Gary Steiner. The family has immense appreciation for Ev's care and thanks the caregivers from Arms of Angel's when she was in Quinnesec and Kathy M, Kate, and Trina when she was in Cooksville. Further appreciation is extended to Barbara's neighbors and friends, Jane and Carlos for their loving support and assistance. Visitation will be Thursday, October 14 from 4p.m. to 6p.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Friday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am officiated by Rev. Michael March. Interment will be in Quinnesec Cemetery. Because Evelyn valued education and her faith, memorials can be made to the scholarship fund or soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.

Evelyn J. Thunell

November 18, 1927 - September 28, 2021