Evelyn M. Holthaus

Evelyn M. Holthaus, 95, of La Crosse, died Thursday August 15, 2013 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse. She was born January 8, 1918 in La Crosse to Vinton and Della Shelmidine. Evelyn wed Donald Holthaus on March 14, 1936 in Waukon, Iowa. Evelyn had been at Bethany St. Joseph since November 2006 and was the Valentine Queen there in 2011. Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of the Onalaska Legion Auxiliary.

Evelyn and Donald had the "Holthaus Pony Hitch" which was known in the area and in the Milwaukee Circus Parades. They opened the "Lucky H" Riding Apparel in downtown La Crosse in 1964 which operated for 30 years.

Survivors include one daughter Sharon (Allen) Twinde of Chaseburg; two sons Marcellus (Barbara) and Richard (Evelyn) Holthaus both of La Crosse; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald on September 21, 2000; a daughter Valerie Lancour on October 13, 2006 and a son-in-law Eugene Lancour; her parents; one sister Leona Piperno and three brothers Clayton, Bernard and Gordon George who died in infancy.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday August 19, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St. in La Crosse. Rev. Roger Grow will officiate with burial at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for the wonderful care they gave Evelyn over the years.