Evelyn L. Vandewalle

Evelyn Vandewalle Obituary
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Evelyn Lorraine Vandewalle (Ketchmark), in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 7, 2024. She was 97 years young and left behind an incredible legacy of love.
Born on July 13, 1926 in South Bend, Indiana, she was the second child of Helen and Victor Ketchmark. Evelyn had four siblings: Richard, Norma, Patricia and Victoria, all now deceased.
Eveyln spent her entire young life in South Bend and after graduating from St. Joseph Academy, she attended the Chicago Art Institute. She was married to Julian Vandewalle in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1948. Evelyn and "Van" as she lovingly called him, returned to South Bend and raised 12 children there. Larry (Pat), Mark (Chris), PJ (Suzette), Mary (McManus Ayres), Helen Mester (Gary), Patty Stark (Tim), John (Laurie), Julie Way (Bruce), Joseph (Erin), Michael (Lyn), Ann Krieger (Kevin) and Susan (Pat). Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother with an inordinate amount of patience, calm, and sense of humor that served her well while raising her large family. Her faith was one source of strength and she always remarked about her frequent conversations with "the big guy upstairs."
When her children were all in school, Evelyn worked for many years with her husband in their family business, South Bend Monument. During that time, Evelyn cherished her weekend escapes with Van up to a lakeside home in Stevensville, Michigan. Post retirement, and ready for a respite from winters, they resided in Florida. After 55 years of wedded bliss, Evelyn lost Van in 2003. She continued to live in their Florida home until 2012 when she moved to Milwaukee to live with her daughter Patty and son-in-law Tim.
During her final chapter of life, Evelyn continued to thrive with visits from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had 31 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren.
Her last few years she was lovingly cared for by the staff at Milwaukee Catholic Home. To all of the kind souls who supported her wellbeing during those years, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A private memorial service will be held in April in Milwaukee.
For those who wish to honor Evelyn's life, donations can be made to:
Family Peace Center at: https://www.familypeacecenter.org/donate