Evelyn Romenesko

ROMENESKO, EVELYN ROSE

On December 14, 2010 Evelyn Rose Romenesko has left us to join her beloved son Gary. The world has lost a beautiful lady.

The firstborn of John and Agnes Schumacher, Evelyn arrived into this world on November 4th, 1937. She was born at the Schumacher family farm, the oldest of eight children.

On March 2, 1957 she married DuWayne Romenesko. Their wedding was a dual celebration as DuWayne's sister Vera married Bill Hofacker Jr. on that same day.

Together, Evelyn and DuWayne had four beautiful children, Gary, Keith, Rick and Dawn. Throughout their marriage they ran a family farm, trucked hay and eventually went on to build, own and operate Romy's Nitingale.

It's so difficult to sum up the life of such a great and wonderful lady in a few sentences or paragraphs, but we will try. She was the type of person we all aspire to be. She was a kind, caring, generous, compassionate, sympathetic, understanding, sweet, thoughtful and hard working lady. And she was beautiful to look at with her gorgeous blue eyes, blonde hair and flawless fair skin. Her beauty was not only on the outside, it was in as well. She was such a gracious hostess. Whenever you came to her house, she always made you feel so welcomed. As in the old farmer's tradition, she always wanted to feed you. And who could resist her homemade bread or luscious cookies? She was quite the cook, being able to whip up a fabulous meal at the drop of a dime. If that wasn't enough, her candy dish on her family room counter was always filled. When visiting, Ev would insist on entertaining you with a ride or walk around their many ponds or take you fishing on them. She also liked to take you gambling or playing bingo. For 49 years her sidekick and loyal friend, Eppie Uhlenbrauck shared many of these moments with her. Their's was a true, admired and beautiful friendship.

Throughout her lifetime, Evelyn was such a hard worker. When Romy's was established and built in 1962 by DuWayne, Walter and Ruth, it was not uncommon to see Ev with a hammer in her hand right along side the guys. When they built their two houses, same thing. No project was too big or too hard for her. In the early days of Romy's, when the equipment in the kitchen was archaic, long hard hours of labor to get those meals out to the hundreds of weddings held there never stopped her or gave her reason to complain. She forged ahead and helped to make it a successful business. She loved the people, she loved ot make everyone happy. She knew them all by first name and never missed an opportunity to make them feel welcome. She was the best in the business!

A true Christian, she never failed to lend a helping hand to someone in need. She always put everyone else's needs and concerns before her own. She also loved children and treated each and every one like they were her own grandkids.

Being the "oldest" of the Schumacher family, she was never afraid to remind her siblings of that fact and that they had better "listen", and listen they did! She was their "big sis" in the true sense of the words. She taught them many great things. They lovingly dubbed her the "white tornado", for when any project arose either at one of their homes, or out at the Schumacher family farm, she worked with a drive that was hard to duplicate. She was truly an amazing lady whom we'll all miss forever!

She is survived by her husband, DuWayne, her three children, Keith (fiance' Dawn Moore) Rick (Cheryl) Romenesko and Dawn (Steve) Balthazor: her eight beautiful grandkids whom she loved with all her heart: Lori (Kyle) Klisiewicz, Lisa (Jamie) Smith, Craig (Lindsey)Romenesko, Ashley (fiance Will) Romenesko, Ben (Tonya) Romenesko, Danielle (fiance' Tanner) Romenesko, Chad (friend Kristin) Balthazor, Erik (friend Holly) Balthazor. She also has two great-grandkids, Ryker Smith and Faith Romenesko. She was so excited about Ben & Tonya's twin boys who are due to arrive this spring.

She is also survived by Vera Hofacker, Dave Wilson, Vern (Karen), Bing, Ivol (Lorrane) and Linda Romenesko, and Jan (Ken) Frederickson. Ray, Don (Willy), Joe (Cindy) Schumacher, Irene (Dan) Horn, Delores (Ron) Sedo and Margaret Strutz and many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

She was preceded in death by her son Gary in 2003, her parents John & Agnes Schumacher, parents in-law, Walter & Ruth, brother Robert, family members Darrel, Butch, Cathy and Travis Romenesko, Bud and William Hofacker Jr., Darhl & Joan Schumacher, Kristy Frassetto and Tim Strutz.

Evelyn, we will miss you dearly. The world was a much kinder place with you in it. Rest assured, in your name, that Keith and Dawn will continue the Romy's legacy of great food and service. Since they have taken over Romy's, they have done exactly that, and we know you were always so proud of that fact. Rick carries on your great lessons in his line of work as well. You were so proud of all your children and loved them with all your heart: as they did you.

Funeral services for Evelyn will be held on Monday, December 20, 2010 at St. Edward's Parish in Mackville with the Rev. Jim Vanden Hogen, a dear and loved family friend, officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to time of service @ 5:30. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com .

"We say good-bye Mom, we will miss you so much, your pretty smile, your kisses and hugs. We were so happy that your final days were spent at my house surrounded by your family and friends that you loved so very much. We can't thank you enough for what you have taught us in life on how to love and care for people. You were the BEST!! We will miss our "Homemade Bread Fairy" and your homemade potatoe pancakes. Please give Gary a hug for us and know that we will NEVER forget your love that you gave us....We love you so much...Keith, Rick and Dawn."


The family would like to thank Thedacare Hospice, Arc Angels Homecare, Rev Tom Fritz, Eppie, Jan Frederickson, DeeDee Ort, Bonnie & Julie, Lois Grode and Mom's three beautiful sisters, for their love and caring in Mom's last days.