Evelyn LaVoy Zink

Evelyn T. LaVoy-Zink, age 91, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Hampton Manor of Bedford. Evelyn was born May 3, 1934, in Temperance, MI, to Ernest and Martha (Rochowiak) Nusbaum.

Evelyn was a lifelong resident of Temperance, MI, and a 1953 graduate of Central Catholic High School. She met Nelson C. LaVoy and they married on September 8, 1956, her first love until his death on November 30, 1971. Evelyn and Nelson started a life together by building a home on Secor Road, Temperance, ¼ mile north of her childhood home. Their home was built on a portion of her great-grandfather’s original farm, so thus gave her the ability to live on Secor Road for 91 years. Evelyn and Nelson were blessed with six children; raising five children, as Nancy Marie was stillborn on August 29, 1966. Together, they started a family farm raising corn and soybeans along with selling garden produce, Halloween pumpkins, and Christmas trees on their property. The pumpkin farm, “LaVoy Pumpkin Farm”, was continued after Nelson’s death by Evelyn and their children (second generation), then continued by their grandchildren (third generation). The pumpkin farm legacy spanned over 60 years.

Evelyn worked very hard outside of the home to support her family by working with an event catering company. Also, a store clerk and in the personnel department at Montgomery Ward, then finished her career in the insurance industry.

Evelyn was a huge Detroit Tigers fan. She was also very dedicated to attending her monthly bunco/card group, St. Martin’s Circle. Her hobbies included playing Euchre, gardening, canning, traveling, cooking, bowling, and polka dancing. Evelyn was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Guild of the American Legion, Temperance. Most importantly, Evelyn was the happiest when she spent time with her family and friends.

After 45 years of being widowed, Evelyn met David R. Zink and they married on September 17, 2016. David was her rock and foundation and long-sought companion throughout the last nine years of her life. She adored him and enjoyed their time together. Whether it was going for a Sunday ride, eating ice cream cones, or simply sitting on the swing that David built for her.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson C. LaVoy; daughter, Nancy Marie LaVoy; parents, Ernest and Martha Nusbaum; brothers and sisters-in-law; Robert (Jacqueline) Nusbaum and Raymond (Ella Mae) Nusbaum; brother-in-law, Richard Lubinski.

Evelyn is survived by her husband David R. Zink; children, Cynthia (Michael) Konoff, David (Carol Brighton) LaVoy, Gregory (Colleen) LaVoy, Brian (Deidre) LaVoy, Bradley (Sharon) LaVoy; siblings, Jeannette Lubinski and Kenneth (Donna Jean) Nusbaum; 13 grandchildren, Nichole, Brittany (Ben), Danielle, Rachael, Chester, Felicia, Sarah (James), Chelsea (David), Kaitlyn, Kailee, Matthew (Eleese), Miranda (Zachary), Michael; 6 great-grandchildren; 4 step children; 8 step grandchildren; and 2 step great-grandchildren.

Evelyn’s Life Celebration will be Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00pm until 8:00pm at Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Rd, Toledo, Ohio. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 6:00pm. A time of sharing will be included during the prayer service for those who wish to speak and share memories. Visitation will continue Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30am until 10:30am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, Ohio, in the narthex. The Funeral Mass will begin in the church at 10:30am. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Temperance, MI.

The family would like to thank Hospice of NW Ohio; Hampton Manor of Bedford Memory Care; Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home; and Christ the King Catholic Church, Toledo, OH.