Evangeline "Van" Rhodes

Evangeline “Van” Rhodes, age 83, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Thursday, March 3rd, at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Samhold Lutheran Cemetery, Gonvick, MN. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday, May 14th, at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Evangeline Alice Zilmer was born on December 26, 1938, in Belgrade, Minnesota to parents Otto and Lydia (Strodtman) Zilmer. She lived in Belgrade until 1945 then the family moved to Brooten, Minnesota.  She resided in Brooten until 1954 and then the family returned to Belgrade where she graduated from Belgrade High School in 1956. She was the snow queen in Belgrade her senior year. After high school, she moved to the Twin Cities where she worked at HD Lee Overall Company doing clerical work.  She resided there for several years.

Van married Wallace Edevold and they made their first home in Berner, Minnesota, then later moved to Gonvick, Minnesota. She worked at Northern State Bank in Gonvick and later at the bank in Clearbrook for 15 years. Van and Wallace later divorced.

Van was married to Richard “Shorty” Rhodes on September 5, 1999. After their marriage, they lived in Clearbrook and, in 2002, moved to Fosston.  Van enjoyed traveling with Shorty where he went with his work throughout the United States.  They also owned a seasonal home at Cass Lake where she enjoyed the lake and spending time with family. Van also enjoyed many fun trips to Hawaii, Florida and other places with their timeshare property.

Van’s hobbies included enjoyment of shopping and she had a huge collection of angels and dolls. She also had an affinity for things that sparkled and shined. She was a classy dresser and wore the gifts well that Shorty bought her. Shorty loved spoiling Van. As Van’s health declined, they learned a new relationship where Shorty became her caregiver.  It was only Shorty that Van wanted to help her as she required more assistance with activities of daily living. They both loved each other dearly.

Most of all, Van loved spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cared deeply for each family member and took the role of being mother and grandmother seriously.  Her love, support and encouragement were always present. Being very involved in family activities, fun family vacations and family time at the lake helped build memories that will last a lifetime for her family.  She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her husband, Shorty, of Fosston; one daughter , Lori (Ray) Sundbom of Clearbrook, MN, and son, Gary (Kirsten) Edevold of Park Rapids, MN; step-children, Cindy Bolejack of Rogers, AR, Connie Rhodes of Fort Myers, FL, and Cheryl (Jeff) Price of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren Nicole (Wade) Evje; Megan (Eric) Martin; Carin (James) Rossbach; Chad (Michelle) Dumas; Casey (Sally) Dumas; Kayla (Curt) Barthelemy; Christina (Jason) Leonard; Todd Bergerson; Cassondra Bergerson; Brandon Bergerson; Dylan Bergerson (Friend Veronica McBride); Alyza (Drew) Bade; Evan Edevold; Mylee Edevold; Jesse (Ashley) Whittley; Emily (Aaron) Krannawitter; Tanner Osterbuhr; Peighton Price; Logan Bolejack; Megan Bolejack; Murphy Rhodes; 30 great grandchildren; and two brothers, Arvin (Helen) Zilmer of Aurora, MN, and Gerald (Margaret) Zilmer of Belgrade, MN. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Tami Mehl and Terri Bergerson; two sisters, Dorothy Bahe and Phyllis Kiaser; and two brothers, Donald Zilmer and Clarence Zilmer.