Evelyn J. Mrkvicka, 94, of Freeport, passed away January 10, 2023 at Liberty Village following a brief illness. Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a future date. A visitation is scheduled for January 21, from 10:00 until noon at Walker Mortuary.

Born January 6, 1929 to Clifford and Loretta (Corman) Stearns, she lived her entire life in Freeport. After high school graduation she worked as a secretary for the Boy Scouts of America where she met her future husband, Charles F. Mrkvicka. They were married November 18, 1950 until he passed away September 24, 2016.

Evelyn worked for 24 ½ years as an administrative assistant at the Stephenson County Health Department, retiring in July of 1994. In retirement she spent many years as a volunteer for Mother Hubbard and RSVP and also served on the Board of Directors at Parkview Retirement Home. She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she served on the Board of Trustees. She devoted many hours with the church's prayer shawl knitting group and her knitting bag was always close at hand. She also had been a member of the Legion Auxiliary of Pearl City. Evelyn was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and also followed the UW
Badgers.

Survivors include her children, Rhonda (Gary) Koeller, Moline, IL, Jeffrey Mrkvicka, Westfield, WI, Rene' Cromer, Westfield, WI, Ralene Lartz, El Paso, IL, and Jody Mrkvicka (Kent Robbins), Placitas, NM. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Sonny, Roger, and Gary Stearns, and her husband of 65 years.

The family is especially grateful to Judy Corman who shared her home and deep friendship with Mom for the past six years and to Mary Armagost Zumdahl who offered love and support and considered Evelyn her second mother.

Condolences may be left at Walker Mortuary (www.walkermortuary.com). Memorials may be made to Mother Hubbard Kiddie Cupboard of Freeport.