Evelyn M. Baysinger, age 78 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Pearl Pavilion in Freeport. She was born October 7, 1942; the daughter of the late John and Leona (Schrader) Koester. She married Allen Baysinger on September 27, 1975.

Evelyn worked at Structo as well as a homemaker and loving mother to her two sons. She attended Park Hills Evangelical Free Church of Freeport where she was involved in several church activates. She was also a member of the Antique Engine Club where she was Queen for a few years. Evelyn loved crocheting and had an extensive collection of angels.

She is survived by her husband, Allen Baysinger of Freeport; brother, Dale Koester of Freeport; nieces and nephews, Cynthia (Chris) Riley, Dr. Alan (Dr. Deb) Koester, Jani (Denise) Koester-Jess, John (Cathy) Koester, Sue Koester, Dionne Koester-Fernandez, Kirstin (Kris) Kiracofe, and Danny Koester; step-daughters, Debra Carson and Donna Eisen; 8 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and 1 great great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Leona; sons, Allen Jr. and Josh; brother, Richard "Dick" and Sheldon; and sister-in-laws, Kathleen Koester and JoAnn Koester.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport with a visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the Antique Engine Club. Memorials or cards may be sent to 3020 W. Greenfield Dr. Freeport, IL 61032. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com .

Aunt Evelyn Baysinger

Whenever we saw Aunt Evelyn, we always received an enthusiastic greeting. She often had a story to share as well. She was our dad's little sister, the one he looked out for. With three brothers, she was watched from many vantage points.  She found her own way to navigate the world, and she often did that by talking and making things happen.

Aunt Evelyn was a big part of our upbringing. She always treated us as her own children, and we loved her as our special aunt. She made it clear when we were young that we were to refer to her as "Aunt Evelyn" not Evelyn.

Our aunt was very generous in making things for everyone but especially for her nieces, nephews, and family members. We remember numerous Easter Egg hunts she put together. Often the small crocheted duckies or rabbits that held plastic eggs with treats filled those baskets.  She was very generous making blankets, pillows, and crocheted items for family and friends. One of us currently has an Aunt Evelyn crocheted hand towel hanging in their kitchen that they use every day!

When we went to her house after school, she would make us her own special Macaroni and Cheese and Broccoli Salad. She also made sure we each had our own time with her. When we were young, she invited each one of us to her apartment for overnights where we were treated as special guests. We always looked forward to those special overnights and have very fond memories of cooking and playing games with her.

For years, when all the Koester great nieces and nephews gathered for a weeklong "Koester Cousin Camp", Aunt Evelyn was the head chef. She usually prepared the meals for the entire week! And no matter where camp was held, she and Allen joined us with the food prepared and ready for the hungry group.

She was a very welcoming person. As our family grew with weddings and births, everybody was welcomed into the family. She would add everyone to her list of birthday and holiday cards (some even held a dollar or stick of gum - a gift to send through the mail to celebrate those special days).  She would compliment that by creating something handmade to welcome you into the fold of the family.

Aunt Evelyn was a part of our families in many ways, caring for us as young children, helping with household chores, preparing meals for family gatherings, celebrations, and parties. Sending cards, sharing family calendars, admiring red painted fingernails, sharing pet stories, and staying connected to children, grandchildren, and other adopted families members were common occurrences!

We celebrated when she and Allen found love with each other and married and then were exuberant when Allen Jr and Josh joined the family. We grieved with her and Allen when the boys passed. Their faith sustained them.

Aunt Evelyn was a caring person who adored helping others. She cared deeply about her friends and family.  Even when she would become frustrated with one of us, we knew that in a little while we would all come out on the other side as family.

We know she is happy to be united with her sons, Allen Jr. and Joshua, in heaven. Her memories live strongly in our hearts and will be there forever!

Nieces Cindy Riley, Jani Koester, Sue Koester