July 3, 1935 – October 6, 2022

A memorial service for Evelyn Blankers, 87, of Pipestone, Minnesota, was held Saturday, October 15, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at First Christian Reformed Church, Edgerton, with Pastors Scott Muilenburg and Stephen Wynja officiating. The Holy City wassung by Brad Prouty and accompanied by Judd Prouty, and the congregation sang By The Sea Of Crystal, O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee, And Can It Be, and the Hallelujah Chorus. 

Pallbearers were Julie Den Ouden, Scott Muilenburg, Brian Den Ouden,  Corey Muilenburg, Samantha Schmitz, Stacia Veenstra, Olivia Vande Polder, and Jack Vande Polder. Honorary pallbearers were Kelli Muilenburg, Sheila Chery, and Madeleine Yeung. Interment was in Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton.

Evelyn Helene Blankers (Den Ouden, Veldman) was born on July 3, 1935, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Rev. Herman and Flora (Ezinga) Veldman. When Evie was young, her family moved to Western Michigan, where she lived until 8th grade when the family moved to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Evie and her family returned to Grand Rapids, Mich., a few years later, and she graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1953. Though her family moved frequently as her father took calls from different churches, Evie enjoyed wherever she lived. 

Evie moved to Edgerton, Minn., with her family after high school, and it was at an Edgerton roller rink that she met Cornie Den Ouden. Evie and Cornie were united in marriage on March 15, 1955, at First Christian Reformed Church and made their home in Edgerton where they welcomed three children: Rod, Donna, and Lyn. The family traveled to Michigan each summer to visit Evie’s family. During these years, Evie spent time canning vegetables and playing organ at First CRC. Evie and Cornie enjoyed welcoming many grandchildren into their family.  

After 40 years of marriage, Evie said goodbye to Cornie as he went to be with the Lord in 1995. She continued living in Edgerton and working at Fey Industries until 1998 when she retired after over 20 years and married John Blankers, whom she met at a local grief support group. John and Evie made their home on the Silver Hills Farm outside Pipestone, before moving into town, where they lived until John passed away in 2010. They enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona. 

Evie lived in Pipestone until she was admitted to Pipestone Hospital and later Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, S. D., where she peacefully went to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the age of 87 years, three months, and three days. 

Evie was a talented pianist and organist, who could play almost any song by ear and shared her gift with many others, including her own piano students. She was a devout member of Pipestone CRC, she was rooted in her faith, and she believed playing piano was her ministry. Evie had played during the church service the week before she died. She was also a frequent visitor of Ridgeview Care Center to play for the residents. Evie’s grandchildren would often comment on her unique and identifiable way of playing the keys. She had a very warm appreciation for Handel’s “Messiah” and enjoyed playing the recording on Sunday mornings before church. She loved baking cookies and hosting at her home where “coffee’s comin’ down” was a frequent phrase. Evie delighted in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was often happiest with a baby in her arms. She was also a meticulous seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for herself and others.      

Evie is lovingly remembered by her son Rod (Evie) Den Ouden of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and children Julie Den Ouden, Sheila Chery, and Brian (Meagan) Den Ouden; daughter Donna (Mike) Muilenburg of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and children Kelli Muilenburg, Scott (Becca) Muilenburg, Corey (Cassie) Muilenburg, and Stacia (Zach) Veenstra; daughter Lyn (Don) Vande Polder of Kansas City, Missouri, and children Samantha (Zach) Schmitz, Madeleine (Syrus) Yeung, Olivia Vande Polder, and Jack Vande Polder; 9 great-grandchildren; sister Joanne Huisken of Grandville, Michigan; step-children Jerry (Mary) Blankers of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, Judy (Bill) Steuck of Pipestone, Carol (Kim) Hintermeister of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Keith (Lori) Blankers of Maquon, Illinois, Sally (Ken) Feuchtenberger of Hancock, Minnesota; 14 step-grandchildren, and 34 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Cornie Den Ouden; her second husband, John Blankers; her parents, Herman and Flora Veldman; her sister, Elaine Van Dyke; and an infant sister.