Evelyn Elaine (Schuler) Kraupie passed away peacefully Saturday, May 15, 2021. Services will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, NE. Bridgeport Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Evelyn was born August 9th, 1934 to Henry and Dorothy Schuler east of Dalton, Nebraska with her Grandmother Kate as a mid-wife. She was born on the Schuler land that was Homesteaded by her Grandparents. Evelyn went to school in Dalton and graduated in 1952 from Dalton High School as the only girl in her class. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dalton.
Evelyn married Harold Kraupie January 23, 1954. She followed him in his enlistment in the Army to Ft, Campbell, Kentucky, where their daughter, Debbie was born. Their second child Darrell was born while they lived in Lewellen, Nebraska.
Evelyn went to “Beauty” School in Hastings and had a successful career as a hairdresser for many years. She ran a Beauty Shop in their Home in Dalton and Bridgeport while Harold was Trading Horses, Auctioneering, and starting to sell Real Estate. Evelyn was a noticeable figure at Farm Auctions as the Clerk. Before Buyers would register and get a number, she clerked the sales with the Buyer’s name. She knew most everyone. She worked in difficult conditions as working a Farm Sale often meant working out of a chicken house, barn, or in a dusty bean field in the freezing cold.
Evelyn and Harold started in the Real Estate Business in 1966. Evelyn became a Broker in 1977 when Kraupie’s Real Estate and Auctioneers opened their office on Main Street, and she was a certified appraiser for many years. She was a very honest and astute businesswoman.
Evelyn was very proud of her heritage and encouraged reunions for many years. She started and maintained the Ancestry page for many years. Evelyn was also a member of the Nebraska and National Garden Clubs and was a certified flower judge. She judged many flower shows throughout the panhandle and received countless awards for her flower designs, while also cultivating an immaculate yard and arboretum.
Harold and Evelyn loved to go fishing and spent many summers in Neah Bay, WA where they hosted many friends and family from the Panhandle. One of her famed fishing accomplishments was catching a 205 lb. Halibut. Evelyn also enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Arizona for many years where she developed many special and lasting friendships.
Evelyn was a member of the First Baptist Church. She had an incredibly strong faith and walked closely with Jesus throughout her life. She continually shared her faith and beliefs with those she encountered. She anxiously awaited her departure to heaven and her faith in God remained through her final days.
She is survived by her Son Darrell and wife Alecia, Grandchildren Joshua Schmidt and wife Stephanie, Jerrod Schmidt, Kristen Kraupie, Del Ray Kraupie and wife Stacy, Hardan Jacob Kraupie & Chelsey Salyards, Son-in Law Lee Wiggins, and 5 Special Great Granddaughters: Braylen, Eleanor, Harper and Samantha Schmidt, and Whitley Kraupie, Sister Ardis Stuart, as well as many special relatives and friends.
She was greeted in heaven by her Husband Harold, Daughter Debra Wiggins, Infant Great Grandson Cadan Kraupie, brother Earl Enyart and her Parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morrill County Hospital Foundation, the First Baptist Church, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com.
