Evelyn J. Grieben
Evelyn Jeanette Grieben, 89, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Prairie Heights Healthcare in Aberdeen.
Evelyn Jeanette Hilgemann was born February 19, 1935, to Gottfried and Fay (Hamilton) in Leola, SD. She attended school in Leola. Evelyn was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leola, where she also taught Sunday school later. She was the oldest of six children. The family moved to Westport her Junior year in high school. As a senior, Evelyn and Darwin, her future husband, were crowned prom queen and king. She graduated from Westport High School in 1953 and then moved to Aberdeen.
Evelyn married Darwin Grieben on May 21, 1955, in Aberdeen at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Four children were born to this union. They raised their family in Aberdeen. She worked various jobs at the American News, Jewett Drug, Hyman Transportation, Mobridge Livestock, American Freight Systems, and Spilde Manufacturing. Evelyn also worked part-time at Coca-Cola, Our Savior Lutheran Church, and also as a circuit court bailiff. Darwin passed away in 1977, and Evelyn continued to make her home in Aberdeen.
As a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Evelyn was the congregational secretary, a Sunday school teacher, and the president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She also sang in the choir for many years. Evelyn was a member of the Jayceettes in Aberdeen and Mobridge and was active in the La Sertoma Ladies Club in Aberdeen.
Most people knew Evelyn as an avid bowler in Aberdeen. She served on the state bowling board from 1981-2006, served as a director from 1987-1991, was the Sargant of Arms from 1991-1998, and served as the second Vice-President from 1998-2006. Evelyn was inducted into the South Dakota State Bowling Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Aberdeen City Hall of Fame in 1997. She was also a member of the City Hall of Fame Committee for over 25 years and was chairwoman for the state Bowling Hall of Fame for over 10 years.
Grateful for having shared Evelyn’s life are her children: Pat Grieben of Sioux Falls, Steve (Paula) Grieben of Aberdeen, and Mike (Kelly) Grieben of Aberdeen; one grandson, Mitch (Alex) Grieben of Aberdeen; and two great-grandsons Parker and Ryker of Aberdeen; two brothers, Ralph Hilgemann and Gerald Hilgemann, and one sister, Connie Hilgemann.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Gottfried and Fay, her husband Darwin, her son Doug, her sister Gloria Hinz, and her brother Dale Hilgemann.