Evelyn Alice Cecilia (Schmokel) Baer
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 20, 2019 @ 3:34 pm In 2019,Obituaries | 8 Comments
Evelyn Alice Cecelia Baer (née Schmokel), was 102 years young, when she passed away on November 19, 2019. She was always “young at heart” and was the Mama Baer of her family.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 9-11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake. Evelyn will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery with Father Tom Walker presiding. Pallbearers will be Adam Thomas, Anthony Thomas, Jim Ludowese and Scott, Bob & Paul Schmokel.
On February 10, 1917 in Prior Lake, Evelyn was born to William and Mary (Markley) Schmokel. Along with her siblings, Evelyn loved growing up in Prior Lake. She enjoyed being outdoors, often hunting with her family. In her youth, she helped at the family’s business—the Prior Lake Hotel. During this time, a hotel guest introduced Evelyn to the game of Cribbage. She proved to be an adept player and could give anyone a run for their money.
Following her high school graduation from Shakopee, Evelyn began working. She was one of the first employees at the Prior Lake Movie Theater selling concessions and tickets while her brother Robert ran the projectors, and later worked at the post office. Evelyn also helped at the B and D Bar on Main Street. Wherever she went and whatever she did, Evelyn never complained and was happy to be there.
In 1946, Evelyn met Ben Baer, a St. Louis native, who was a regular summer visitor to a cabin on Prior Lake. Ben would occasionally visit Evelyn to borrow her home phone and it wasn’t long before they began dating.
On December 23, 1946 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Evelyn and Ben exchanged wedding vows. They were blessed with two children and 48 years together. The family enjoyed countless hours on the lake, floating along in their makeshift pontoon, the Ebb-Tide. An attentive hostess, Evelyn enjoyed time spent with extended family and friends. She also served as the official Welcome Wagon Lady of Prior Lake.
Evelyn enjoyed playing the ukulele and was always changing the lyrics to songs. She was a true wordsmith—completing the daily crossword, memorizing poetry, and reading countless books. More than anything, Evelyn loved being with her family. She was so proud to be a grandma and great-grandma. She taught her grandson, Adam, many important life skills…how to play cribbage, whistle into a bottle, and most importantly, to always have a good time.
Evelyn is loved and missed by her daughter, Betty (Bruce) Thomas; son, John (Jan) Baer; grandson, Adam Thomas and his children, Anthony and Ava Thomas; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews; relatives and friends.
There to greet her in Heaven is husband, Ben; parents; brothers, William E. (Johanna) Schmokel, Harry (Mary Cecilia) Schmokel, Robert J. (Lucille) Schmokel and sisters, Dorothy (Fred) Sanft, Mary (William) Byrne.
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Rest in Peace my Favorite Auntie! I know your home coming was met by Hundreds waiting with open arms! ❤❤❤ Shall see you John, Betty and All on Tuesday!
So sorry to hear of your loss.
John, I don’t know if you recall, but ( my husband ) Mike and I worked with you at the So’Dale McDonalds in the early 1970’s . I remember your mother with fondness as I grew up in Prior Lake, and hope you’re able to look past your loss and celebrate her very long and wonderful life!
Denise Noel Lorenz
To Evies family, I had the privilege of spending a year with Evie as one of her caregivers. All I can say is what a hoot she was. We laughed a lot and just enjoyed each others company. She reminded me everyday what is important in life and that is to be kind to others and don’t sweat the big stuff or the little stuff either. We enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the boats go by in the summer and just chatting back and forth about life. Evie will always hold a spot in my heart and I will always smile when I think of her.
We pause for a moment of silence and solemn prayer for our departed friend. We will remember her smiling face and infectious laugh always. Thank you so much for the time we were able to spend together on this earth. May her memories live on in the lives of those closest to her.
Rich and Sara, neighbors of Betty and Bruce
How wonderful that Evie lived to 102! She was quite the gal! Although I haven’t lived in PL for many years I remember her well and the family conclave with Ben, Bill and Jeannette all in a row between the Wagon Bridge and the trestle! Betty and John, my accept my sincere sympathy.
What a wonderful experience to have been part of this beautiful persons life. We have ONLY fond memories of ” Mama Baer “. Our sincerest sympathy to the entire family.
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Dear family of Evelyn Baer,
I’m so sorry for your loss, until you meet her again, Evelyn was a very special lady. Jan and John you helped her continue in her happy lifestyle. God bless you and your entire family at this time of sadness, and may it blend into a time of gratefulness for having such an amazing family member.
Karen Brakke, friend of Jan and John