Evelyn Petik   Lemmon, SD

The community lost a dedicated educator, volunteer, and staunch 4-H supporter when Evelyn Petik, 94 of Lemmon, formerly of Keldron, passed away at Five Counties Nursing Home on December 4, 2004.

Evelyn Lucille Sampson was born May 7, 1910 to Alfred and Anna (Holmquist) in New Scandia, MN. The family moved to a homestead near Isabel. She received her elementary education in rural schools south of McIntosh graduating from McIntosh High School in 1927. After attending Northern Normal and Industrial School, Evelyn taught at Bath, Light Cap, White Deer and Center Schools (1928-1935).

Evelyn married Joseph Petik on June 30, 1934. Together, they made their home on a farm 20 miles south of Keldron. They had four children, 3 daughters and 1 son. Following Joe's death in 1965, Evelyn returned to Northern State College to complete her teaching degree, graduating in 1970. She resumed teaching at Center School from 1966 to 1975. Following her retirement from teaching, Evelyn traveled extensively always eager to see new things and learn about the different ways of life.

In addition to raising a family, she became involved in community service. Evelyn and Joe started the Busy Beavers 4-H Club in 1954. Evelyn was directly involved for over 40 years with local youth in the 4-H program. She exhibited her crocheting, needlework, and canning at the Corson County Fair for many years. Evelyn also held numerous county and state offices within the Extension Homemakers organization earning her the distinction of South Dakota Eminent Homemaker for 1971.

Evelyn was a member Grand Valley Community Club, Retired Teachers and Hope Presbyterian Church south of Keldron. She was a past Center School board member, advisor for Jobs Daughters in Lemmon, White Deer Ladies Aid and Riverview Gals Extension Club.

Evelyn lived on the family farm until 2000 when she moved to the Prairie Pine Apartments in Lemmon. In September of 2004, she entered Five Counties Nursing Home due to her failing health.

Surviving family members include her 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce Cohen and Fred Hansen, Portland, OR; Judy and Brian Toivola, Hibbing, MN; JoAnn and Ken Brovold, Des Moines, WA; 1 son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kathy Petik, Keldron, SD; her grandchildren, Aaron Cohen, Julia Cohen, Terry Toivola, Kevin Toivola, Suzanne Petik-Fredrich, Christina Petik, Rebecca Dykema, Phillip Brovold, 9 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Sylvia Petik, Keldron, SD and brother-in-law, Larry Minnichsoffer, Shafer, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe, brother Kenneth Sampson, sister, Maiona Minnichsoffer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Saturday, December 11, at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon. The Rev Ann Altman will officiate with burial in Greenhill Cemetery at Lemmon. A family service will be held at 8:00pm on Friday evening at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.

Marilyn Willey provided the special music and sang "Softly And Tenderly" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee".

Serving as casket bearers are Stuart Schmidt, Dennis and Brad Kling, Ronald and Keith Zielke, Jim Petik, Clint Clark, and Tom Dreiske. All of Evelyn's former students are considered honorary bearers.

Visitation will be Friday 1:00 to 8:00pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon and on Saturday one hour prior to services at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon.

Condolenses may be given to the family at www.evansonjensenfuneralhomes.com.