ESMOND — Evelyn (Brink) Hand, 92, of Esmond passed away on March 12 at Generations at Neighbors Nursing Care Center in Byron.

Evelyn was born Sept. 28, 1930 to Adolf and Florence (Kroeche) Brink. She was the oldest of five children, and spent her early years in Rochelle. Evelyn graduated from Rochelle High School in 1948. She met Robert (Bob) Hand and they married Nov. 5, 1949. Evelyn and Bob first lived in Holcomb, then Rochelle, but eventually made their home in Monroe Center, where Evelyn lived until a few years after Bob’s passing. Evelyn stayed at home for many years but eventually worked for the Savings and Loan in Rochelle, Hughes Communications in Rockford and then in the offices of Roush Trucking for several years. In retirement, Evelyn enjoyed making craft items and often was the “painter” to Bob’s woodworking projects. They attended craft fairs for several years creating and selling “Crafts By Hand”. They also spent many hours tending to the flower beds and the yard, and watching birds and wildlife in their backyard. A few years after Bob died in 2008, Evelyn moved in with her daughter and son in law in Esmond. She spent many years there enjoying farm life, going out shopping and for lunches, and completing puzzles. Evelyn was also an active member of the Esmond United Methodist Church for more than 30 years, where she enjoyed worship and socializing with her church family. Evelyn will always be remembered for her love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Evelyn is survived by her children; Patricia Roush, and Jeffrey (Kathryn) Hand, her sister; Audrey Brink, grandchildren; Eric Roush, Sara (Jason) Quincer, David VanderVennet, Elizabeth (Joseph) Ambrogio, Jennifer (Jessie) Sanchez, special great niece Katherine Roush, 13 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Bob, in 2008, her beloved son in law, Walter Roush in 2022, and siblings; Maury Brink in 1960, and two infants; Christina and Blanche Mae.

Services (arranged by Unger-Horner Funeral Home) will be held at the Esmond United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 18, with Pastor David Rogula officiating. Visitation to begin at 1 p.m. with funeral at 2 p.m. Interment will be at White Rock cemetery in Kings, following the funeral. Guests are encouraged to stay at the church following the services for coffee and dessert; as an informal time to share memories and stories of Evelyn.  

In leu of flowers, guests are encouraged to donate to the Esmond United Methodist Church, where a memorial has been established in Evelyn’s name. The family would like to offer our sincere thanks to those who have reached out during her brief illness, and to the doctors and nurses at Kishwaukee Memorial Hospital in DeKalb, Generations of Neighbors nursing home in Byron and Serenity Hospice care in Oregon.