Evelyn M. Kerzmann, 87, Minot formerly of Garrison, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 in a Minot hospital.

Evelyn Kerzmann was born June 18, 1926 on the family farm in Emmet, North Dakota the daughter of William and Barbara (Braun) Rickers. She was raised on the family farm near Emmet and graduated from Garrison High School in 1944. She attended three years of summer college at Minot State Teacher's College where she earned her standard teaching certificate.

Evelyn taught country school for four years at Deepwater and O'Shea schools. She continued teaching in a country school near Ulen, Minnesota from 1947-48 prior to her marriage to Kenneth F. Kerzmann on June 8, 1948 at Lake Park, MN.

They made their home on Ken's family farm in Blackwater Township of McLean County, where in addition to being a farm wife, Evelyn assisted in the White Shield School. In 1975, they retired from farming and moved into Garrison. She and Ken moved to Minot in 2003. Ken died September 25, 2008. While in Garrison, she remained active with her social groups and assisted at St Nicholas Catholic School and Bob Callies Elementary in various capacities with the biggest reward coming from assisting as a teacher's aide.

Evelyn was a former member of the Blackwater Booster Homemakers, and a Tops Club. She was active at St Nicholas Catholic Church and the St Ann's Altar Society of Garrison. After moving to Minot, they became members of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Praying the rosary, devotions and her Catholic faith were an important part of her daily life.

Mom enjoyed writing the local Roseglen News for the McLean County Independent. Collecting Box Tops, UPC's and labels was part of her passion of refunding for many years. Mom could often be found with a crossword puzzle in hand or sitting down to a challenging game of Scrabble. She also enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles and various activities with her neighbors at Dakota Terrace. Many card games were enjoyed with friends and family such as Crazy Canasta, Blitz, and International Rummy being some her favorites. Mom was an amazing cook, gardener and baker. Blue Ribbon fresh bread from the oven with her homemade raspberry jelly what a treat!

Her loving family includes , Rod (Carol) Kerzmann, Garden City, KS, Bill Kerzmann, Bismarck, Darrel (Mila) Kerzmann, Minot, Claudia (Paul) Sharp, Jamestown, ND and Connie (Robert) Lemieux, Minot; grandchildren, Brock (Gloria), Amy, Katie (Brad) White, and James (Stephanie Ness); Jonathan (Linda) and Andrew; Melody (Jason) Rivera and Randy (Lindsay); Nicholas, Jessica and Matthew Sharp; Jacob and Adam Lemieux; great grandchildren, Citlali, Keziah and soon to be baby Kenny Kerzmann; Noelle and Ethan Rivera; Erin and Anna Kerzmann, Destiny and Sarina White and Sophie Kerzmann; sisters, Joan Safgren, Sabin, MN, Marlene Silbernagel, Perham, MN and Virginia (Jim) Heaton, Scobey, MT; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, Wayne, two brothers, and a sister.

Mass Of Christian Burial: Monday, January 13, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Graveside service: Monday at 4:00 p.m. in St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery, Garrison, ND.
Rosary Recitation : Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Visitation: Sunday from Noon - 4:00 p.m in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot
Memorials: In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to St Bernard Mission School at PO Box 639, Ft. Yates, ND 58538 or to an organization of the donor's choice.