Evelyn Hilbrands

Evelyn Lucille (Thompson) Hilbrands was born on November 16, 1936, in Milbank, SD. She was the daughter of Harry and Maude (Rickard) Thompson of rural Twin Brooks, SD. Evelyn was the youngest of five children. She was baptized and confirmed at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. She received her elementary education in Twin Brooks Rural School and graduated from Milbank High School with the Class of 1954.

Evelyn was united in marriage with Orville Hilbrands on November 27, 1954. They were blessed with three children: Steven, Linda, and Jeffrey.

Orville and Evy farmed hand-in-hand throughout the years of raising their family. Evelyn worked as a waitress for 38 years at Trevett’s Café. She enjoyed her customers and co-workers. She loved working for the Trevett family.

Orville and Evy farmed until 2000, then retired and purchased a home in Milbank. Evy enjoyed baking and gardening and canning her produce. Her family was her pride and joy, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved playing Dominoes and Farkle with them. She enjoyed watching and cheering for the Minnesota Twins. She delivered church bulletins to the nursing homes and with Orville’s help, delivered Meals on Wheels.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Orville Hilbrands of Milbank, SD; her children: Steven (Liz) Hilbrands of Milbank, SD; Linda Yates (fiancé, Kevin Mayfield) of Powell, WY; Jeffrey Hilbrands of Milbank, SD; and Richard (Denise) Randall of Fargo, ND; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, LaVonne Schneck of Milbank, SD. Evy was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Maude; one great-granddaughter, Tanlie Warner; two brothers: Dale Thompson and Vernon Thompson; and one sister, Margie Thompson.