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- Evelyn Johanna [DeGroot] Riley, Appleton, went to be with her Lord, surrounded by family after a short illness, on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. This loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was born Sept. 22, 1918, in Combined Locks, Wis., one of 12 children of John DeGroot and Johanna Hanegraaf.
Evelyn married William Nicholas "Fuzz" Riley on Nov. 4, 1941. Evelyn was a woman of great faith, an active, fun, sweet woman, a hard worker and a dedicated volunteer. In retirement, she generously gave her time and talent to St. Vincent de Paul and St. Joseph's Food Pantry. She was also a dedicated pray-er with the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel of St. Pius X Parish. Evelyn was a devoted wife to her husband of 45 years. Fuzz passed away in 1986.
Together she and Fuzz raised four children, all of whom survive her, Sharon Fries, Combined Locks; Patty Johnson (Tom), Washington, D.C.; Bill Riley (Betty), Appleton; and Laurie Hermes (Pete), Appleton. In addition to the four children, Evelyn leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Wendy Hinkens (Tom), David Fries (Brenda), Tim Fries; Christopher Johnson (Heidi), Todd Johnson (Bindi), Shawn Johnson (Heather), John Scott Johnson; Kelly Riley, Kristin Ahrens (Branden); Ashley Hermes and Jason Hermes; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Ryan and Owen Fries; Campbell, Beckett and Anders Johnson; Maya, Priya and Leela Johnson; Madeleine Grace Johnson; Lorelei Riley-Burbach and Ryker Ahrens. She is survived by two sisters, Ella DeWeiss and Theresa Sanders; as well the DeGroot sisters-in-law, Ann, Diane, Joanne and Pat.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace and Mary Lou; seven brothers, Adrian, Ambrose, Eugene, Jack, Larry, Maurice and Paul; and a son in law, Donald Fries.
The family wishes to thank all her very special companions/friends, especially niece, Karen Schnese, spiritual companion, Kathleen Spligach, dear friend, Chuck Dietzen, as well as the many friends and caregivers with whom she shared her life through the years. Special appreciation to sister-in-law Mickey Riley Milbach, for her extended support and to Dr. Shanti A. Joseph for her years of wonderful care.
The visitation will be held at St. Pius X Church, 500 W. Marquette Street, Appleton, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 4:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to Rebuilding Together Fox Valley or The Huntington's Society of America.
Mom, you may have gone on, but your love, joyful spirit, faith and life lessons will guide us forever.
Brettschneider-Trettin-
Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 733-7383
www.btlfuneral.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on December 18, 2011
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1918 - 2011 (93 years)
