Clione J. "Mitzi" Evenstad

1938 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Clione "Mitzi" J. (Cox) Evenstad, age 86, of Janesville, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Rock Haven. She was born in Janesville on July 10, 1938, the daughter of Cleo and Larga (Bergt) Keele. Mitzi married James R. Cox on June 7, 1958, and they raised 3 children in Janesville. She and Jim ran the weekly shopping guide, "The Jotter," during most of their marriage. After 30 years together, they divorced. She later married Kenton H. Evenstad on May 19, 1998, and he preceded her in death in 2018. Family and faith were paramount to Mitzi. She enjoyed quilting, traveling the world, skiing, riding horses, and country dancing. She had heath challenges throughout her life, but they didn't diminish her optimism or zest for life.

Mitzi is survived by her children: James (Donna) Cox of Janesville, Julie Gerke of Janesville, Gina (Tad) Hartlaub of Salem, WI; former son-in-law, Douglas Gerke of rural Crivitz, WI; grandchildren: Ben (Cassie) Woods, Lorin Cox, David "DJ" Gerke, Sarah (Dane) McCaskill, Daniel (Kayla) Gerke, TJ Hartlaub, Shawn (Ashley) Hartlaub, Carissa Mooren, Kelsey (Nathan) Kopf, Jessica (Jason) Ricker, Sadie Hartlaub, and Kayla Hartlaub; 18 great grandchildren; and brother, Terry (Jan) Keele of Janesville. She is also survived by 2 stepsons, John and Bruce Evenstad; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; sister, Suzanne Lewellyn; brother, David Keele; and great grandchild, August Hartlaub.

A Celebration of Mitzi's Life will be held on June 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, 21. S. Austin Rd, Janesville. A service will conclude the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice, which was a wonderful support to Mitzi and her family in her last months. For on-line condolences: www.apfelwolfe.com