Obituary of Evann Jones Oelschlager

Mrs. O., Grandma O., died April 2, 2023. She was 99 years old. Born March 13, 1924, and grew up in Minnesota Lake, MN. Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Oelschlager, and many of her beloved friends.

College-educated at Hamline University, she became a history teacher, and her passion for knowledge was evident late into her life, as she took extension classes and courses at the University of St. Thomas through Selim Center for Life-Long Learning.  

Evann worked at BI (Business Incentives) in the travel department for over 20 years, and many of her colleagues became lifelong friends.

A widow since her mid-60s, she was strong-willed, and independent, and continued her work in the travel industry until she was 75 years old. Her travels took her around the globe and after she retired, her adventures continued with multiple Elderhostel  (now called Road Scholar) trips with dear friends.

Evann’s interests beyond traveling kept her busy, with her calendar full, months out in advance. 

She was a season ticket holder and supporter at many of our local theaters. From the Guthrie, Ordway, Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Theatre Latté Da, Jungle Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, to the Penumbra Theatre. 

An avid movie goer, she didn’t miss a movie, especially if it played at her favorite Edina Landmark theatre. A good bridge player, competitive with a great sense of strategy with just the right balance of fun.

A long-time subscriber to the Minneapolis Star & Tribune, Smithsonian, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic – to name a few – was a true testament to her being smart, well-read, on top of the news, and having an active curiosity. 

Evann had a great sense of style and fashion, taking tremendous pride and care in her appearance. She never left home without looking her best. 

“Eating out” and spending time with family and friends was what she enjoyed most.

Her fast wit, strong opinions, and keen sense of humor, was fun and interesting to be around. One might say, “She was extremely good at keeping us on our toes.”

Evann is greatly missed by daughters; 

Perrie Oelschlager Meltzer, Sally Oelschlager Vulich, and Amy Oelschlager Finsand, 

Sons-in-law; Larry Meltzer, Tom Vulich (deceased), and Bert Finsand, 

Granddaughters; Carly (Erik) Jakubowski, Kendra Meltzer, Gwen Vulich, Perrie (Scott) Ortlip, Meredith (Eric) Reed, Kiltie Finsand, and many dear friends. 

Her legacy will live on in her five great grandchildren. 

In honor of Evann, make plans to have lunch with a friend, get tickets to a show, go to a matinee movie, or just pick up the phone and have a good laugh with an old friend. 

 

Donations in memory of Evann can be made to 

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) Foundation at:

https://www.pbs.org/foundation/support/

Click “Donate Online”

Directly under Gift Amounts, check the box 

“Yes, this is an honor or memorial gift.”

 

Please add one of our email addresses as a recipient;

lpmeltzer@comcast.net

so.vulich@gmail.com

amy.finsand@gmail.com

to let us know of your donation in our mom’s memory. 

 

Donations can also be mailed to:

PBS Foundation

1225 S. Clark Street

Arlington, VA 22202

tel:(703) 739-5051

 

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be determined at a later date.