Evelyn Eileen Oblander
The morning of Feb. 8, 2023, Evelyn Eileen Oblander entered her heavenly home at the age of 89. She passed away at her home in Billings from complications of a stroke suffered earlier this year. Evelyn was born to William and Molly (Knaub) Karst on July 12, 1933 in Billings, the second of three siblings. Evelyn grew up on the family farm near Ballantine and attended Huntley Project Schools.
On Dec. 12, 1953, Evelyn married Allan Oblander of Billings. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Diana and Brenda. Evelyn worked at Midland (First) Bank for many years, retiring as the head of the proofing department.
Evelyn was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church and lived out her faith, being generous and caring to all she met.
Evelyn and Allan owned a small house at Fort Smith and spent many weekends there boating and fishing on Big Horn Lake and Yellowtail Afterbay. Evelyn’s greatest love was for her children and their families; she traveled to visit them whenever she could. She took considerable pride in each of them.
Evelyn kept her yard, garden and home neat: always making visitors feel welcome. She loved to dance, especially polkas. Later in life, she met her friend, Seb Messer, and the two of them spent many happy times dancing and traveling to Quartzsite, Arizona, in the winters.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Allan Oblander, sister Phyllis Eckert and nephew Duane Eckert. She is survived by her daughters: Diana Merseal of Oakville, WA and Brenda Oblander of Billings; brother Gary (Linda) Karst of Ballantine; grandchildren: Christopher Wilkins of Chugiak, Alaska; Tiffany (Matt) Zamzow of Brookfield, WI; Jacob Wilke of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Jessica Wilke of Princetown, MN; great-grandchildren: Cody Wilkins; Brenden, Aaron and Evan Zamzow; Clayton and Conner Wilke; great-great grandchild Dakota Wilkins; friend Seb Messer plus nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends.
The family gives special thanks to Riverstone Hospice for their support and help caring for and comforting Evelyn during her last days. Memorial services will be held Friday, Feb. 17th at 11 a.m., Smith’s West Funeral Chapel, 304 34th St. West in Billings with a viewing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16th from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
