Evelyn Neuman Dickerson, 99, of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center.

Evelyn was born December 14, 1918, near Hoople, North Dakota, the daughter of David and Ursula (Celia) Neuman Ginder.

She married Bob (Robert E.) Dickerson on March 12, 1938, at the Methodist Bishop's home in Springfield, Illinois. Bob preceded Evelyn In death on December 25, 2005, just prior to their 68th wedding anniversary.

Evelyn attended Pawnee High School. She met Bob in Rochester, they courted, married and World War II took them to Tyler Texas where Evelyn found employment at Mayer­ Schmidt Department Store. There Evelyn learned to be a seamstress under the tutelage of Mrs. Brooks, Head of Alterations, and Bob entered the Infantry Division of the Army. Evelyn returned to her family home near Pawnee when Bob was deployed overseas. She began working in the Medical Investigation Bureau of The Franklin Life Insurance Company until leaving The Franklin to help her parents at the family's homeplace and farm. After a time, Evelyn returned to work in Springfield in retail sales at Berger-Siegel's and Lerner’s before being employed at R. W. Troxell Insurance Company. She then took a position in the Casualty Department of the Illinois National Insurance Company.  During the many years of her working life, Evelyn and Bob built or restored five homes. Eventually, Evelyn decided it was time to retire when the Rochester State Bank inquired to see if she would work there for a few weeks, this evolved into another eight years of employment. Evelyn made up her mind to try again to become a full-time homemaker and this time she succeeded. Evelyn and Bob celebrated retirement by traveling three times to Hawaii and with European travels to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg. Evelyn, with Bob before his passing, was also active in the Conservative Republican Party including memberships in the Illinois Republican Party and The Heritage Foundation. Evelyn loved living in Rochester and, during her 75 plus years there, she developed many dear and close friends. Evelyn was always open to new experiences, she enjoyed a variety of many activities that ranged from performing in a dance group at Lincolnfest to entering and winning a July 4th pie­making contest after her 90 birthday. She delighted in spending time with friends and family, was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a participating member of Trinity Lutheran Ladies’ Aide. At 95 years of age she moved to Concordia Village and became an active member of choral groups.  She was an enthusiastic supporters of Veterans’ groups, disadvantaged youths and animals in need of protection.

In addition to her husband and parents. Evelyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter and Lloyd Ginder; sisters, Sally Bestudik and Lois Scanlan; sisters-in-law, Mary Ginder and Kathleen “Tommy” Dickerson; and brothers-in law, Kenneth Dickerson, Bernie Scanlan and Tom Bestudik.

She is survived by nephews, George (wife, Cheryl) Ginder, Greg (wife, Tina) Bestudik, Martin (wife, Sheri) Scanlan and Todd (companion, Karen) Scanlan; nieces, Joan Bestudik, Debbie (husband, Bill) Russell and Alice (husband, Allen) Whited; several great-nephews, great-nieces, great-great nieces and great-great nephews also survive.

An hour-long visitation will be held prior to the funeral at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran School in Springfield. The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Jonathan Holmes officiating.  Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery. Due to the weather the friendship gathering will be held at a later date. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. 2nd St. Springfield, IL 62701.

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