Evelyn F. (Paepke) Marit

NORMAL – Evelyn F. Marit, age 89, formerly of Walnut, died April 15, 2024 at Sugar Creek Alzheimer Care Center in Normal.

           Evelyn was born on October 28, 1934 in Walnut the daughter of Everette and Monefay (Winterscheid) Paepke.  She graduated from Walnut High School and Brown’s Business school in Peoria.  While living in Peoria, she met the love of her life, Earl Marit.  They were married on July 3, 1954 at the 1st Christian Church in Walnut.  Upon the death of her father, the Marit family moved in 1963 to the Paepke family farm in rural Walnut which Evelyn and Earl farmed until their retirement in 2002. She was always meant to work on the farm.  From her early days of helping her dad to sharing the work with her husband.  Evelyn drove a tractor (and a car) at an early age. 

She enjoyed playing Bingo, Pinochle; and traveling the United States.   She loved her family and will be remembered for always having cookies and candy in her house. 

                Evelyn is survived by her children, Diane (John) Heitz of Normal and Gary (Gail) Marit of Lewisburg, Ohio; four grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

                She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters, infant twin Evadell; Irene Paepke and Doris Nason; infant granddaughter, Stephanie Heitz.

                Graveside services will be held 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Walnut Cemetery, Walnut with Pastor David Poust officiating.  Arrangements were completed by the Garland Funeral Home, Walnut.

                In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Walnut United Methodist Church and the Walnut Fire Department.

                Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com

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