Evelyn F. Klino, age 80, of Maiden Rock, WI — and formerly of Lago Vista, TX — passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Elysian Fields of Red Wing, MN.

Evelyn was a woman of quiet humor, and a spirited personality. She often spoke with joy about her childhood on her parents’ farm in Northwestern Michigan. One of ten children, she reflected how her father would sometimes forget the order of them all. There were many stories, mostly of summer adventure, where she and her sisters caught frogs while her brothers prepped and cooked their legs. There was swinging at the tops of tall trees, daring to nearly touch the ground on either side.

She grew up in Manton, Michigan, attending a one-room schoolhouse (Carpenter School) until eighth grade, then attending Manton High. Evelyn was shy and often worried that her voice was too loud. Being a “Bowling kid” meant second-hand clothes and being picked on, something that stayed with her. That early hardship shaped her deep desire to ensure her own children had new clothes and a sense of confidence she had to fight to find in herself.

Though she had dreamed of becoming a writer or a librarian, life had other plans. The birth of her first child shifted her path toward family life. Evelyn was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest child was in school, and then she boldly pursued a career in the legal field. With no formal training, she never climbed the ladder far working as a file clerk, although she loved being part of that world. Still, she believed in being a strong independent woman during a time when women were still being told to stay in the background.

Evelyn loved adventure and exploration. She and her husband Melvin Klino, a Navy man whom she met and married in Yuma, Arizona on September 27, 1964, lived in several places throughout their life together: Arizona, California, Michigan, and Texas. In California, they raised their three children. They loved car racing, and Ford Mustangs. So much so, they became active members of the San Diego Mustang Club. Later, they moved to Lago Vista, Texas, where the families of their two youngest lived.

She was always crafting something, cross-stitching, sewing, or cooking, and her hands were rarely still. But more than anything, she loved being with her family. Whether it was a trip across the country or a quiet moment at home, Evelyn was most herself when surrounded by those she loved.

She will be remembered for her strength, her stories, her humor, and her “spicy” spirit, unafraid to speak her mind but always deeply loving. Although Evelyn never thought herself to be strong, and independent, certainly wanted her children to be. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, especially her children and grandchildren.

Evelyn is survived by her three children, Margaret “Peg” Merin of Spokane, WA, Michelle (John) Broadway of Maiden Rock, WI, Michael (Theresa) Klino of Leander, TX; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two sisters, Deborah Bowling and Arlene Oakley; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, seven of her siblings and husband, Melvin.

A memorial service celebrating Evelyn’s life will be held at Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home, 15571 Co Hwy B, Hayward, WI on Saturday, September 27th at 11:00 am.

Last Update: Sep 01, 2025 9:23 am CDT