Wanda Jean Evans

Wanda Jean Evans passed away on July 23, 2024, in McCook, NE at the age of 90. 

Jean was born on a farm Northeast of McCook, NE to parents Loyd and Daisy L. (Younger) Blake on September 14, 1933. She graduated from McCook High School in 1951. Jean married Duane M. “Pete” Evans in Kingsland, GA, while he was in the Navy, on October 27, 1951. Together they had three children: Linda, Steve and Pam. 

The couple returned to McCook in 1954 and started their own trucking business. Jean drove semi along with Pete for 20 years. Following the sale of the business she went to work for the next 20 and a half years at the Red Willow County Clerk’s Office. Following retirement, she worked part time for the Red Willow County Treasurers Office. 

Jean loved to take her chance in gambling with many trips to Blackhawk with friends and playing bingo. She was a member of the Memorial Methodist Church. Jean will be remembered most for being a sports fan and an avid Husker and Bison fan. Before her eyesight diminished, she quilted and crocheted. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Dallas (LaVern) Blake and Marvin Blake; two sisters, Roberta (Burt) Piper and Darlene (Harold) Wagner; and son-in-law, Rodney Koetter.

Those left to celebrate Jean’s life are her children, Linda (Steve) Cole of Curtis, NE, Steve (Christi) Evans of McCook, NE, and Pam (Tammy Merat) Miner of McCook, NE; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to McCook Humane Society, PO Box 13, McCook, NE.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, NE, with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating.

A burial will occur after the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook, NE.