Evonne Mowrey

Evonne M. Mowrey, age 95, died peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital New Prague. Evonne was born on May 24, 1928, in Sac City, IA, to Elva and Gladys (Frandsen) Ellis. She attended country school, graduated from Lytton, IA, High School and then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA. She taught grades K-8 in a one-room schoolhouse for two years. She married Keith DeLong, had two children with him and was widowed young when Keith died in the polio epidemic. She married Eldon Mowrey on March 17, 1955, in Underwood, MN, lived in Aitkin, MN and moved to New Prague in 1965. She was an excellent seamstress and worked at Munsingwear in Montgomery. Evonne was very involved in the New Prague Eagles Club, serving as a past-president. She was dedicated to the American Cancer Association Relay for Life and volunteered with them for over 20 years. In her retirement years, she enjoyed working at Lau’s Bakery, where she especially loved greeting and serving the customers. She was also a faithful volunteer at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Çenter for 26 years.

Evonne was born to be a teacher and mother, both of which she excelled throughout her life. She loved children of all ages and loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a “baby-whisperer”, known to be able to calm a crying infant with her mere touch and loving and connecting with even the most recalcitrant teenager! She enjoyed gardening and baking as well as filling her home with her crocheting and embroidery projects. Evonne made friends wherever she went! She was the community organizer at Philipp Square for the past 20 years. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed visiting her children living throughout the United States and the numerous bus trips she took. She especially enjoyed visiting casinos, both locally and nationally. Her ready smile, love of people, and engagement with life has left a hole in the lives of all who knew her.

Evonne is survived by her children, Connie O’Donnell of Pensacola, FL, Dennis (Tamsen) De Long of Hilton Head, SC, Beverly Sue (Leonard) Altimore of Needville, TX, Alan (Irene) Mowrey of Lakeville, MN, Kaye Mowrey of Albuquerque, NM, Jackie (Larry) McFarland of Belleville, MI, Dale (Donna) Mowrey of Montgomery, MN, Rita (Robert) Healy of Georgetown, TX; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, LaRue Schade of Sac City, IA; sister-in-law, Carol Ellis of Iowa. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Keith De Long and Eldon Mowrey on October 30, 1991; grandson, Philip O’Donnell; son-in-law, Phil O’Donnell; brothers, Robert & Don Ellis and Curtis Eugene in infancy.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Swenson officiating. Visitation will take place for 1 hour prior to service starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at Czech National Cemetery in New Prague.