A century of sharing love, compassion, fun and generosity! That is a small part of the large legacy left by Evelyn Sarver Palm, who passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at the age of 102.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. The Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea.

Evelyn was born June 5, 1917, in Georgetown, Wisconsin, as the second daughter to Rose and Wilmar Sarver. The family grew to five daughters and two sons, surviving many moves and hard times. The children went to country school, which included a long walk in bitter winters, carrying lunches in used syrup pails. High school days  were in Milltown, Wisconsin, where Evelyn lived with a family doing household jobs to pay for her stay. This was difficult work for a young teenager. She was not allowed any time for fun activities. In spite of little participation, she was proud to be crowned Prom Queen. Making friends easily and staying connected over decades was always one of her strengths.

After graduating from high school, Evie became an apprentice beauty operator in Luck, Wisconsin. It was during this time that she met Lewis J. Palm, who she dated for three years before marrying in 1940.

Parenting consumed the next many years with the arrival of children Judy Smith (Dan), Mary Jane Thorson (Steve) and Ron Palm. In 1947, they moved with their young family to Albert Lea. With minimal financial resources, Evie shared her creativity, talents and generosity by sewing beautiful clothes, preparing wonderful meals, hosting holidays and maintaining a meticulous house.

Evie and Lewie were a team, mostly doing things together while enjoying family and friends. Joy, to both of them, were simple pleasures — whether it was a picnic, a dance or a gathering around the table. With the expanding family through later marriages and births, many things remained constant— including unconditional love and fairness that was extended equally.

After Lewie’s death in 2002, Evie lived independently in her home until 2013, when she moved to Red Wing, where she was surrounded by family.

Survivors include her children Judy, Mary Jane and Ron; ex-daughter-in-law, Donna Palm; grandchildren Tony Smith (Denise), Justin Smith (Ann), Craig Thorson (Kathleen), Eric Thorson (Marsha), Emma Kline (Tyler), and Molly Palm; great-grandchildren Aaron Smith (Cassi), Bryce Cogley (Crystal), Cassie Smith, Carly Smith, Ben Smith (Angela), Brodie Smith and Evelyn Kline; and great-great grandchildren Everlee and Fynnley. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and friends of all ages.

Memorials may be directed to Mayo Clinic Health System, Red Wing Hospice.