Evelyn Gutknecht

Evelyn Gutknecht, age 91, passed away restfully at Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care in Spring Green on March 19, 2026. 

Evelyn was born in Bear Valley on May 16, 1934, to Harvey and CeCelia (Duren) Phillips. She grew up in the Spring Green area and, from a young age, worked in cheese factories, restaurants, and as household help for Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin. It was in one of those restaurants where she met a dashing young man by the name of Carl Gutknecht. After graduating from Spring Green High School, she and Carl were married on November 5, 1952, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Norwalk. 

Settling on a farm outside Avoca, she rapidly transitioned into becoming a farmer’s wife, and ultimately, a devoted mother to five children. The first few years on their farm, though, had its challenges—no indoor plumbing, no furnace, and a single hand pump for inside water. Such obstacles did not prevent her from making their house into an inviting home where countless family and friends gravitated to the kitchen table for conversation, and, of course, the partaking of enticing selections of homemade goodies. 

As her family grew, so did her involvement outside the farm. She was an active lifetime member of the Avoca United Methodist Church, and for decades, held office for the Methodist Women’s Society. Evelyn consistently volunteered for church activities—including abundant Lord’s Acre Sales where her breads and legendary pecan pies prompted some fierce competitive bidding. Baking, cooking, and sewing were among Evelyn’s favorite pastimes. Her garden was a full-time summer and fall undertaking with the bounty canned and frozen for winter. For several years, she was General Leader of the Circle A 4-H Club, while also teaching members homemaking skills in preparation for the Iowa County Fair. Evelyn never missed a high school athletic or music event in which her children participated. 

When their children eventually moved away, Evelyn and Carl’s attention focused on their dear grandchildren. Nothing compared to spending time at the farm and in Grandma’s kitchen with doting grandparents who listened, guided, and offered their wisdom. 

Evelyn radiated kindness, empathy, and selflessness. Together with Carl, they were a well-respected couple impacting family, friends, and community. 

Evelyn is survived by sons Gary (Mary) Gutknecht, Richland Center; Baxter (Suanne) Gutknecht, Spring Green; daughters Stephanie (Charlie) DeLong, Clinton; Kathy Gutknecht, Columbus; and Karen (Larry) Kachel, Whitewater. Evelyn’s grandchildren include Kira (Marty) Kennedy, Leah (Marty) Grosse, Shannon (Nick) Hagmann, Wesley Gutknecht, Bridget (Mark) Wozniak, Matt DeLong, Jordan (Emily) DeLong, Pete Koehler, Dan Koehler, Cally (Tylur) Lengfeld, and Jourden (Tehya) Kachel, along with 15 great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; parents Harvey and CeCelia Phillips; brothers LeRoy (Lance) Phillips, Warren Phillips, and Neil Phillips; sisters Margaret (Fern) Sprecher, Joanne Bohnsack, and Rosie Phillips, infant. 

Evelyn’s family is forever grateful to Raeann, Kyrie, Diane, and each of the wonderful staff members at Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care. Their kindness, compassionate care, dedication, and devotion over the past four years were truly exceptional. 

The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to Agrace Hospice workers Jamie, Dawn, and Grace for their loving and dignified care of Evelyn these past few weeks. Their calming presence, attentive care, and emotional support will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held at the Avoca United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 28, with visitation from 10:00 until the time of services at 11:30. Burial will follow at the Avoca Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Evelyn’s name may be directed to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711 or to the Avoca United Methodist Church, Avoca.  

The Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center assisted the family.  www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com