Evelyn Carol (Bogenhagen) Thompson

March 30, 1943 - May 5, 2020

Evelyn Carol (Bogenhagen) Thompson was born March 30, 1943 to LaVara Marie (Bolen) and Harlon Lee Bogenhagen of Wallace, Kansas. She departed this life on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at her home in Guide Rock, Nebraska, at the age of 77 years, one month and six days.

Evelyn attended Harrison Flats Grade School until eighth grade. At that point, Evelyn went on to attend Wallace County Community High School in Sharon Springs, Kansas, and graduated in May, 1961.

Evelyn attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where she majored in Home Economics and met, Kenneth Thompson, whom she was drawn to for his car and sense of humor. They fell in love and Kenneth proposed to her on the top the Manhattan hill.

On June 3, 1963 they were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas, and resided in Manhattan, Kansas, until Kenneth graduated from K-State with his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1965. Along the way, Evelyn helped by typing his class notes.

Kenneth and Evelyn purchased the Guide Rock Veterinary Clinic and operated the practice until selling it in 1981. Evelyn and Kenneth were blessed with two children, Darren Todd in 1966 and Michelle Lynn in 1967.

At Guide Rock, Evelyn was involved in many endeavors. She co-led many 4-H Home Economic groups like the Snippy Snappers where she taught countless girls to sew including later many granddaughters. All have many fond stories of sewing, ripping, crying, yelling and laughing together over the sewing machine. Evelyn also loved to sew clothes for her children as they grew, and, later, enjoyed making beautiful gifts and quilts with her sister, Linda Vester.

Evelyn was extremely involved in Eastern Star where she once served In Grand Chapter as Grand Esther. She continued Eastern Star service in many capacities throughout her life.

Evelyn also was extremely active in the United Methodist Church of Guide Rock where she coordinated serving for many funerals, played piano for several years, and graced many weddings and funerals alike with her beautiful voice and talent.

Dr. Kenneth LeRoy Thompson departed this life on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Later, Evelyn met and committed her life to Dale Keith Putnam from Lincoln on September 1, 2019 in Guide Rock, Nebraska, where they continued to live out her days on the family farm where Evelyn took great pride in her yard, flowers, and the many birds that enjoyed her filled feeders.

Evelyn was especially blessed with many close friends whom she would often go to dinners with and laugh until their sides hurt.

A strong, loving, friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; her most precious memories were laughing and telling stories with her family and hosting Holidays with all the fixings.

Preceding her in death were her parents and stepdad, Ivan Smith. Her husband, Kenneth Thompson, and a daughter-in-law, Jessica Thompson.

Left to treasure Evelyn's memory are her significant other, Dale Putnam, her sister, Linda and Joe Vester of Parker, Colorado, and her children, Darren and Tamie Thompson of Collyer, Kansas, and Michelle and Sam Widger of Kearney Nebraska. Additionally, Evelyn's grandchildren who loved her dearly Aaron Thompson, Adam Widger, Amanda and Jeff Toepfer, Anya and Matt Waters, Zach Widger, Allison Thompson, Megan Widger, Hannah Widger, Jewel and Brock Maier, Jake and Bev Margheim, Jayson Margheim, and eight great grandchildren as well as many other friends and relatives.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date