Evelyn C. Klasna, 93 years and 10 months, of Bridgeport, NE, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021 in her home, with her loving family by her side. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. The Rosary will be recited at 2:30 PM on Saturday, September 4, 2021 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 3 PM at All Souls Catholic Church in Bridgeport with Father James Joseph officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2PM at St. Mary’s Hall in Spencer, Nebraska with burial to follow in the Klasna family plot at the National Cemetery west of Spencer. Memorials may be given to Regional West Hospice, All Souls Catholic Church in Bridgeport, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spencer. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com
Evelyn C. Peppel Klasna was born near Butte, NE in Boyd County on October 13, 1927 to Harry and Caroline (Carrie Determan) Peppel. She attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Butte High School. Following graduation, Evelyn worked at the John Morrell plant in Sioux Falls, SD as a secretary. Evelyn married her life-long love Donivon (Don) Klasna of Spencer, NE on June 21, 1948.
Don and Evelyn made their home on the Kruntorad/Klasna family farm west of Spencer. In 1951, Don enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Evelyn joined Don after basic training in Texas and transferred to Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, AZ where Don served as Crew Chief for Jet Aircraft. In September 1953, their first son David was born on the Arizona Base.
Don was discharged in December 1953 and the couple returned to the family farm where Don resumed farming and worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service. The couple purchased the family farm from Don’s parents. During these years on the farm, they added their second son Michael in January 1955, daughter Susan in November 1958, and youngest son Roger in January 1960. In 1965, they purchased the Continental Oil dealership for Boyd County with Evelyn as the bookkeeper. They lived on the family farm receiving the 100 years Pioneer Families of Nebraska Aksarben award in 1978. In 1977, when the Conoco Agency was dissolved, they entered the hospitality industry as motel managers. They managed motels in Lexington, North Platte, and Kimball, NE., and later were interim managers for several motels in OK, CO, NE., and MN. During this time, they met many interesting people and made many life-long friends. Upon retirement in 1994, they returned to their Boyd County Family farm to live. In the summers they served as campground hosts at Cottonwood Recreation Area below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, SD.
In the early years Don and Evelyn played for dances in the Alice and Frank Nemec band. Don played drums and Evelyn played the tenor saxophone, Alice played the piano and Frank played the baritone sax. Evelyn was active in many organizations and often volunteered her services. She was a past member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church serving as the organist and choir director and was also a member of the Altar Society. She was an advocate for 4-H and directed 4-H choirs for local and state competition. Evelyn was an long-time member of the Spencer Lions Club, and she also served on the Wild Turkey Days planning committee. Don and Evelyn were crowned the Wild Turkey Days King and Queen in 1997. She has been an honored member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years and was still a current member this year. Evelyn was most proud of her involvement and accomplishments with the Outlaw Trail (Highway 12) Scenic Byway Tourism Committee and would tell the story of the Byway often.
In 2011, Don and Evelyn sold the Family Farm and bought a house in Spencer where they resided until Don’s death in 2014. In February 2015, Evelyn moved to Bridgeport, Nbraska to be closer to her daughter and her family. She enjoyed being close to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with many family gatherings and special occasions celebrated. She lived in “The Neighborhood” in her own apartment until her death.
Evelyn will be remembered as a wonderful musician, story-teller, her kind spirit, love of reading and crocheting of which she was still doing in her last days. She was very proud of all the children in her family and extended family – as many friends became to be. She enjoyed every minute of life and loved spending time with family and friends and telling stories from her past, which she had many to tell.
Evelyn is survived by four children: David (Pamela) Klasna of Omaha, NE., Michael (Shari) Klasna of Emmet, NE., Susan (Curt) Kelly of Broadwater, NE, and Roger (Ronna) Klasna of North Platte, NE; 12 grandchildren: Kristin (Curtis) Loosvelt, Elizabeth (MSGT Joe) Taylor, Rebekah (Anani) Acolatse, Megan (Justin) Kofoed, Kendra Klasna-Jackson, Skye (Layla) Klasna, Carrie Kelly (Brandon Tritsch), Tina (Travis) Sparks, Sean (Jazmin) Kelly, Josh (Tonya) Kelly, Shane Klasna, and Landon Klasna; 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, and cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three sisters: Bernice Hammers, Ione Riesselman, and LaVerne Johnson and many friends and family.
Evelyn was a person of faith and service to others. She will be missed but not forgotten
