Evelyn Thomas

Evelyn Thomas, age 97, of Decorah, Iowa, died Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah following a long illness. Funeral Services will be held at 2 P.M. Monday, December 10, 2007 at Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah by Rev. Matthew H. Perkins with burial in Frankville Cemetery in Frankville, Iowa. Friends may call after 1:00 P.M. Monday at the Church. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is handling the arrangements. Evelyn (Pilgrim) Thomas was born September 17, 1910 in Frankville Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Lottie (Birdsell) Pilgrim. After attending rural school, she graduated from Postville High School with the class of 1926. She attended the University of Dubuque and later graduated from Luther College. Evelyn taught in schools in Wisconsin and in Springfield, Hesper, Cresco and Decorah, Iowa, finishing her teaching career in the Decorah School system in 1974. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the Eastern Star Auxiliary, the Fortnightly Club, and bridge clubs. She also enjoyed traveling. Evelyn enjoyed her life as a resident of assisted living for 6 years and then in the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home since May 22, 2006. She was preceded in death by one son, Elnathan Erickson of Rochester, MN on July 3, 2003; a sister, Florence Ruen; and a brother, Lawrence Pilgrim. She is survived by her son, Wayne Thomas of Decorah; two daughters, Jetty Larson of Decorah and Linda (Don) Houg of St. Olaf; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew.