Evelyn Pottorf was born August 28, 1915, at the home of William and Martha Halbmaier. The home was located a few miles south of Holstein, NE. She went to join her heavenly family on Saturday, June 13, 2015, in Chandler, AZ.

On March 10, 1929, she came with her parents and their siblings to a farm north of Vale, SD. She completed her 8th grade at the country school of Riggs. There she met her future husband, James Pottorf. After the 8th grade, she wanted to continue her education. Things looked pretty bleak but her dad loved to fish and while fishing at Orman Dam, struck up a conversation with Mr. H. S. Burger, Superintendent of Deadwood High School. Mr. Burger was looking for someone to help with their young family. It was there that she worked for room and board until she completed High School in 1935. She then went on to nursing school and got her degree in 1938.

On October 28, 1939, she married James Pottorf in Deadwood. After their marriage, his job took them to Pennsylvania, New York, and they finally landed in Lansing, IL. After several years, they moved to Portland, OR, where they later retired. After retirement, she spent her summers in Sturgis and winters in Quartzsite, AZ.

Evelyn was a lifelong lover of sewing, knitting, and crocheting, even teaching others. In her later years, she and her husband became avid "rock hounds" and after retirement, made jewelry with the many gems they found and refined.

She is survived by her four children, Jerry (Sharon) Pottorf, Lynwood, IL, Jean (Hugh) Bartlett, Miles River, NC, Dan (Stephanie) Pottorf, Chandler, AZ, and Bob (Christine) Pottorf, Houston, TX. She had 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Mailloux.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 19, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Bear Butte Cemetery with Pastor Gerald Meadows officiating. Family and friends may gather at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.