Evelyn Jeanette Somerville

Evelyn J. Somerville, age 91, of Raymond, passed away Tuesday, December 30, at Compassionate Cottages in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, at the Raymond Methodist Church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Evelyn Jeanette Somerville was born on April 3, 1934, in Bismark, North Dakota, the daughter of Engwald and Olga (Giske) Jacobson. She grew up in South Dakota and at an early age, the family moved to a farm North of Willmar (near Lake Florida Sloughs). She received her education in a country schoolhouse. She left home at age 14 and began working at the Bethesda Children Home across from the Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. She later worked for the Hultgren family and other area families with housekeeping duties. Evelyn met the love of her life, William “Bill” Somerville when crossing the street in downtown Willmar.  Bill was stopped at a red light, while Evelyn walked across the same street, her purse opened up.  Bill got out of the car to help her pick up the items from her purse, and the rest is history. They were married on November 24, 1952, and made their home on a farm near Raymond.

Evelyn was an active member of the Raymond Methodist Church and served in numerous organizations. She was very patriotic and was also active with the Willmar American Legion Auxiliary and the Disabled American Veterans. She founded the Woods Township Community fund and was active with her “neighborhood club”. Evelyn enjoyed puzzles, embroidery, needlework, gardening vegetables, and growing flowers. Evelyn also enjoyed family events and was always happy when people stopped by.

Evelyn will be best remembered for having a determined mindset, being kindhearted and compassionate towards others. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her five children, Donna (and Bill) Barbknecht of Battle Lake, Robert (and Rachelle) Somerville of Willmar, Jerry (and Carol) Somerville of Raymond, Nancy Hansmeier of Phoenix, AZ., and Kelly (and Lori) Somerville of Raymond; seventeen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and one sister, Selma Reishel of Waite Park, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill in 2017; and one sister, Josephine Aarfor of Lidgerwood, South Dakota.