Evea Rose Johnson

Evea Johnson, well-known area woman, and beloved mother, passed away at age 84

Evea Johnson, well-known for her exemplary waitressing skills, photographic memory, having ten children, ability to drive a Mack truck, and still look fabulous wearing a designer dress to church on Sunday, died in her sleep at home on Sunday.  She was 84.

Evea Johnson was born in 1931, second to the youngest of nine children, in the midst of the great depression.  Her childhood was austere and void of any basic comforts.  In search of better opportunity, her father, Lloyd, moved the family from state to state at least 12 times before they settled in rural northwestern Wisconsin, and finally in Superior, WI.  Her mother, Iva, was a talented painter, pianist, and baker.  Evea’s first outside job was in a small deli run by Sherman Harris, who was originally of New York City.  It was while working for Mr. Harris that she learned the foundations of professional restaurant work, excellence in service, and personal dedication to being the best.  Mr. Harris, who went on to found Sherman’s Delicatessen in Palm Springs, later remarked that she was the best waitress he had ever seen.

While in Superior, she met her first husband, Police Officer James Bundgaard, a veteran of World War II who had served in the U.S. Merchant Marine.  After a whirlwind courtship, she and Officer Bundgaard were married in September 1952.  They set up a happy home together and soon were expecting their first child.  However, on May 31, 1953 Officer Bundgaard died suddenly of a massive heart attack. She gave birth to their son, Jim, a week later on June 7.   Tragically, by age 21 she became a widow and single mother.      

Unable to work and take care of her young son, Jim, she moved in with her parents who were living on a farm near Frederick, WI.  A year later she went to a small country dance, where her mom was selling concessions.  There she met a smooth-talking local fellow named Melvin McKenzie.  Less than one month later they married in July, 1954, and had a son named Bruce in 1955.  When Bruce developed kidney disease, and they had no money to pay for the medication, Evea’s doctor suggested she take a waitressing position at Paradise Supper Club.   She drove truck in the day time, and waitressed in the evening to buy the medication, and pay for day to day living expenses.  Sadly, kidney transplants were not done at that time; and after four years of suffering, Bruce died in 1959.  Their second child Craig was born healthy, but their next child, Dean, was born with a heart defect.  Again, medicine was not as advanced as today, and Dean died 10 days later.

In the midst of this, Evea took a job at a busy 24-hour truck stop called Wayne’s Café.  She would wind up working 6 nights a week, while simultaneously driving truck for her husband’s business in the day time.  She often had her youngest children in the truck with her.  Very few women were working outside the home, much less driving trucks.  She was also one of the first female school bus drivers in the state of Wisconsin; the principal personally called her to take the job because one of the men had quit.  They needed someone who could handle lots of children, as well as a 13-gear transmission.   During the summer she delivered sand to someone’s lake house in the daytime, and would see them later for dinner while working as a waitress at night.  People were amazed at her stamina and self-discipline. 

The excavating business was sometimes dangerous work as well. Twice she was accidentally buried alive in a trench.  The second time happened not long after their youngest child, Karen, was born.   Her pelvis was crushed and several feet of her lower intestine had to be removed in addition to casting of her pelvis.  She spent nearly a year convalescing in a make-shift hospital bed set up in the home.  She and her husband divorced in the early 1980’s. 

Around that time she met a man named Warren Soderberg.  He was a successful business man, big game hunter, pilot, and gentleman.  With Warren she was able to experience life, travel, and be cared for.  They traveled to the Caribbean, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, moose hunting in Canada, and deep sea fishing in Mexico.  He taught her to golf and to fly a Cessna 172.  More importantly, he made it possible for her to enjoy life.  Sadly, Warren passed away of a heart attack in 1995.

After Warren’s death, Evea took great solace in her church, and her faith.  She also spent countless hours volunteering at church, visiting those in nursing homes, and doting on her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael, Lisa, Stacey, Tim, Heidi, Christine, Ryan, Tiffany, Kathryn Taylor, Anne Elizabeth, Michael, Joseph, Benjamin, Patrick, Emily, Justin, and Raya. She is also survived by her brother Gene, her children Jim, Craig, Mark, Kathy, Scott, John, and Karen. Her son Mark, and her grandchildren Tiffany and Christine, lovingly cared for her while she battled issues related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and heart failure. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jim Bundgaard, her son Bruce, her son Dean, her son Paul, and her love in later years, Warren Soderberg.

Evea’s family will greet visitors at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. and again at First Baptist Church in Milltown, Wisconsin on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July1, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Milltown, Wisconsin. Pastor Marlon Mielke will officiate.

 Evea will be laid to rest at the Milltown Cemetery in Milltown, Wisconsin on Wednesday after the service.

Following the graveside service the family invites their guests to join them for lunch and fellowship at the church.

Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

 Service Information