Evelyn Tilstra, 72, Luverne, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003, in Luverne Community Hospital Hospice unit following a long illness. Services were Friday, Aug. 15, at Steen Reformed Church in Steen. The Rev. Dan Ramaker officiated. Burial was at Eastside Cemetery in Steen. Evelyn Fikse was born to Dries and Henrietta (Christoffels) Fikse on May 24, 1931, in rural Steen. She grew up and attended school in the Steen and Ash Creek areas. She married Ferdinand Tilstra on Feb. 19, 1953, in Steen Reformed Church. Following their marriage they farmed in the Steen area for two years before moving to a farm near Hardwick. In 1960, they relocated to a farm southwest of Luverne where they farmed for 37 years. Mrs. Tilstra was a member of Steen Reformed Church and was active in Bible Study. She was also a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She made many quilts and which many were given to family members as gifts. She also made desk pockets and other crafts for the elementary students at Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary School where she worked as a volunteer. She loved sports and followed her grandchildren’s games along with the Minnesota Twins and Golden Gophers. Survivors include her husband, Ferdinand Tilstra, Luverne; one son, Arlyn (Melanie) Tilstra, Hills; one daughter, Brenda (Delton) Ledeboer, Colorado Springs, Colo.; four grandchildren, Jeremy Ledeboer, and Shanna, Cassi and Cory Tilstra; one brother, Gerhard (Bernadine) Fikse, Morgan Hill, Calif.; one sister, Elaine (Andrew) Steensma, Luverne; and a sister-in-law, Lois Fikse, Luverne. Mrs. Tilstra was preceded in death by her parents, a brother in infancy, and one sister, Lucille.A tree will be planted by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital in memory of Evelyn Tilstra. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
