Evelyn Olga Urben was born on July 7, 1921, and raised in New Glarus, Wisconsin, with parents Jacob and Ottillie Urben and three younger siblings, Leon, Hazel and Jeanette. Evelyn's favorite hobby while growing up was ice skating in the park with friends. She also played the piano and cross-stitched countless many towels and pillowcases for friends and family. She was graduated from New Glarus High School in 1938. She attended Carroll College and The University of Wisconsin in Madison. She worked as a bookkeeper in a bank in Madison, WI and the New Glarus Bank after her studies and during World War II. She was married to Eugene E. Eckstam, M.D. on March 14, 1943 at the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus, WI. They had four children. Jeffrey Bruce died shortly after birth from spina bifida. Their other three children are Ronald (Cheryl) Eckstam in Eden Prairie, MN, Barbara (Steve) Burdette in Big Flats, NY, and Kathryn (Carl) Eckstam-Ames in Livonia, MI. Evie and Gene raised their children in Monroe, Wisconsin, from 1950 where Evelyn was a housewife and volunteer with the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary. They moved to Friendship Retirement Village in Bloomington, MN, in September, 1999. Family was extremely important to Evelyn; she was the thread that kept the members united. She helped take care of her siblings as she and they were growing up. She faithfully supported her husband throughout their 67 years of marriage. She worked tirelessly to provide a safe, healthy and happy home for her three children, while encouraging them to be educated and have awesome summer camp experiences. When her parents were older, she faithfully took care of them for years. She also cared for her sister, Hazel, when she was ill with cancer. Evelyn was a blessed servant of God. Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, infant son, Jeffrey Bruce, and sister, Hazel Urben. She is survived by her other three children and their spouses, listed above, as well as 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Burial is in the Swiss Cemetery in New Glarus, WI.
