Evelyn Berge Wanke

Evelyn “Evie” Berge Wanke was born on May 22, 1929 on her parent’s farm near Goldstone, MT. She was the youngest of four children born to Eivind and Clara (Sanda) Berge. She passed on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Chester.

Evelyn was a confirmed Lutheran having held memberships at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Shelby, Goldstone Lutheran, and is presently a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rudyard.

She married Harold R. Wanke on September 17, 1949, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cut Bank. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1995. They had no children.

She completed her formal education at the Rudyard Public School graduating valedictorian in 1947. She began employment at the Marias River Electric Cooperative in 1947. In 1960, the Wanke’s began farming north of Rudyard and continued until Harold’s passing. Evelyn learned to drive tractor early in their marriage. His and her tractors illustrated the couple’s teamwork.

Evelyn and Harold traveled extensively, and Evelyn continued to travel after Harold’s death. She enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge. She liked to read, crochet, and embroidery. She liked to cook and bake, especially pies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Sam Berge; and her beloved husband, Harold.