Obituary of Evelyn Elizabeth Smisek

Evelyn E. Smisek (née Madera), age 97 of Minnetonka, passed away May 14, 2022 after a brief illness due to complications from previously well compensated heart and lung disease.  Evelyn was born on November 5, 1924, on the family farm near St Patrick MN. Her first language was Czech, she spoke no English when she started District 47, a one room schoolhouse. She learned well, graduating as the New Prague High School class of 1943 valedictorian. She married Joseph T. Smisek in 1943. They first lived in Indianola NE, where Joe was stationed at a POW camp, and Evelyn worked in the medical supply office. They returned to New Prague after the war and started a family. The family moved to Minnetonka in 1968 and Evelyn enrolled at St Mary’s School of Nursing where she graduated second in her class. Ev worked at Methodist Hospital 1970-95, as an Oncology RN. Her skill and compassion made her a wonderful nurse and valued mentor. In retirement they traveled extensively and became Arizona Snowbirds, making many lasting friends and enjoying years of lively games of Pfeffer with Cousin Miley and his wife Shar.  Evelyn was an avid reader, loved playing cards, had lifelong interests in current events, science, architecture, and recently in watching golf and curling!  The last many years her eldest grandson Joe lived with her.  They were great roomies.  She said they never had a fight, but things were always done per Grandma’s direction!  Though we were all involved and close by, Joe’s presence provided her with loving companionship, fun and security.  We are forever grateful.  Evelyn’s love of family, Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin was boundless.  She was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minnetonka. Her faith was strong, and Jesus finally called her home. Proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Barbara Madera, sisters Mary Blaha and Anna Bastyr, husband Joseph T. Smisek, son Joseph M. Smisek, daughter-in-law Nancy Faulkes. Survivors include her children Thomas P. Smisek (Michele), Quentin Smisek and Karen (Thomas) Popovich, grandchildren Joseph E. Smisek, Michael T. Smisek (Angie), Lauren Zwicky (Harper) & Thomas W. Smisek; great grandchildren, Dillon and Maddie Smisek. Evelyn often told the story of her beloved grandfather’s passing at age 92. The doctor declined the posthumous visit retorting, that this was a ripe apple falling from the tree. She too was a ripe apple. She was much loved, lots of fun and our greatest blessing. Just two weeks ago she was on the Northshore enjoying life. We should all be that lucky. A funeral Mass will be held later. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the  Little Sisters of the Poor, St Paul MN or NC Little Hospice, Edina where her stay was blessedly brief, but the care exceptional.