Evelyn Tischer, 91

Evelyn Grace Tischer, 91, Rochester, formerly of Mankato, died Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.

Evelyn was born April 14, 1921 in Sheldon, Iowa to Homer I. and Allie M. (Coles) Smelser. She spent her younger years near Mobridge, South Dakota, and then returned to Sheldon, where she graduated from high school. She attended Mankato State University before her marriage to Walter H. Tischer on November 26, 1941 in Mankato. She continued her education at Mankato State, receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

The couple farmed near Little Rock, Iowa, and lived in Worthington, MN, before returning to Mankato. Evelyn taught at rural schools in southern Minnesota, before teaching at Mankato Independent School District #77. The couple ran Woodland Resort on Lake Miltona in Minnesota for 11 years. Walter died August 15, 1971. After retiring, Evelyn lived in Arizona before moving to Rochester, five years ago.

Memberships include the Republican Women, Red Hats, Degree of Honor, NEA, the Methodist Church in Mankato, and Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and her cat, Muffin, who will remain at Sunrise Cottages as a cottage cat.

Survivors include her daughter, Allie Fay of Rochester; three sons, Donald D. (Laurie) of Parkers Prairie, James R. (Cyn-da) of Rochester, and Walter D. (Roxanne) of Alexandria; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Her husband, a sister, three granddaughters, and a grandson preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 15 at 11 a.m. at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Utecht of Evangel United Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Private burial will be at Woodland Hills Cemetery in Mankato.

Condolences are welcome at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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