Evelyn Audette

Evelyn Marion Audette, age 96, of Crookston, MN passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN.

Evelyn was born in Crookston, MN on January 22, 1921 to Philias and Caroline (Dufault) Brule. She was raised on a farm near Gentilly, MN.

Evelyn attended Kripple Kreek School through 8th grade. She later attended the Victorian School of Beauty in Grand Forks, ND, graduating in 1938. She was employed part-time at the Powder Puff Shop and Dikel’s shop in Crookston, MN.

On November 6, 1939 Evelyn married Eldrick Audette at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN. They lived in several different areas, wherever work was available. From 1942-45 they lived in St. Paul, MN, where Eldrick worked at Huot Mfg.

They moved back to the Red Lake Falls, MN area and started farming, while raising their family. Evelyn worked at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls, MN from 1960-67. They then moved back to St. Paul, where Eldrick again worked at Huot Mfg. and Evelyn at Mando Photo for 13 years.

In October of 1978 Eldrick and Evelyn took one month off of work and toured many states in their motorhome, going down as far as Key West, FL. This was their last trip together.

After retirement they moved back to Crookston, MN on July 4, 1981. Sadly, Eldrick passed away on September 24, 1981. Evelyn kept busy by sewing for Lady Slipper Design from 1982-85.

Evelyn belonged to Cathedral Church circles; first St. Bernadette, then St. Anne’s, St. Ann Ladies Sodality, Catholic Foresters Ct. #547, Catholic Daughters Bishop Schenk #2010, Gentilly Seniors Card Club, Golden Link Senior Center, and bowling with the Experienced Americans of Crookston area. Evelyn was also the Recording Secretary for several years for the C.D.A. and Gentilly Seniors. She also did a lot of volunteer work for the organizations and caregiving for family.

Her yard and flowers were very important to Evelyn.  So was having all of her family over during the Christmas holidays; the last time being in 1994, when there were 45-50 family members. After that year the house could hold no more, so she had to give that up.

Evelyn took many bus tours with friends and many trips with family to special occasions. Playing cards and bowling with friends were always special times in her life.

Evelyn will always be remembered for her gentle, quiet spirit, which brought out the best in each person she touched.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Beverly Perreault of Crookston, Janna (Roger) Cayler of Barnsville, MN, Dean (Bonnie) Audette of Cedar, MN, and Richard (Heidi) Audette of East Grand Forks, MN; sister-in-law, Elaine (Ray) Miller of Mora, MN; 20 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Eldrick; parents, Philias and Caroline Brule; brothers, Aime, Adrian, and Noel Brule; sister, Delia Lanctot; daughter-in-law, Beverly Audette; grandson, David Audette; great-grandson, Dylan Cayler; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Delima Audette, 6 sisters-in-law; and 5 brothers-in-law. May God bless Evelyn’s memory.

There will be a visitation from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN. There will be a funeral mass at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior to service on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Gentilly, MN.