Evelyn Jean Tenbusch

Evelyn Jean Tenbusch (nee Eriksen) of Traverse City, Michigan, formerly of Tawas City, MI, died on April 22, 2021, after a courageous 18-month battle with ovarian cancer. Evelyn was born in Ludington, MI on June 2, 1936, to Fredrik R. and Shirley G. Eriksen (nee MacDonald). She is predeceased in death by both parents and an infant brother, James Joseph and is survived by a sister, Brenda (George) Reeber, a brother, Tom (Suzy) Eriksen, and a sister-in-law, Sister Noreen Tenbusch, IHM. Evelyn is the beloved wife of Francis G. Tenbusch. Evelyn and Frank were married March 2, 1957 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit, MI – they recently celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage. Evelyn graduated from Mercy HS Detroit in 1954, she attended Mercy College in Detroit for 3 years and Saginaw Valley College her final year earning her Teaching degree. Evelyn taught at the preschool level at St. Joseph Catholic School and Tawas Area Schools in East Tawas, Kingsley Elementary in Kingsley, and Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools in Traverse City. For the last 18 years Evelyn and Frank have split their time between Traverse City, MI and Naples, FL. Evelyn’s favorite hobbies were sewing, playing tennis, walking, cross country skiing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending school sporting events which involved her grandchildren. She has been very active in her parish at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme, MI including planning and attending CHRP-Welcome (Christ Renews His Parish) retreats and was an active member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) all of which gave her much enjoyment. Evelyn is the dear mother of Janet (Timothy) Peterson of Minneapolis MN, James (Debbie) Tenbusch of Traverse City, Kathleen Tenbusch of Traverse City, Joseph Tenbusch of Traverse City, Mary (John) Bouchard of Raleigh, NC, John (Stephanie) Tenbusch of Northville, and Julie (Douglas) Duffing of Traverse City. Evelyn is the doting grandmother of 17 grandchildren – Ryan (Emily) Engmark, Sarah (David) Lynne, Zachery, Jacob and Emma Tenbusch, Elizabeth (Hans) Mathiak, Hannah (Tyler) Sexton, James Murchie, Joe (Megan) Tenbusch Jr, Matthew (Liza) Bouchard, Janelle and Natalie Bouchard, Jack and Gabrielle Tenbusch, Gavin, Katelyn and Rylee Duffing and 10 great grandchildren with the 11th on the way. Evelyn is survived by her sister Brenda (George) Reeber of Ludington, brother Thomas (Susan) Eriksen of Ludington, five nieces and two nephews. Friends are welcome to visit with Evelyn’s family from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:45 p.m. Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, on Monday, April 26, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Rev. Christopher Jarvis will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Evelyn by making a contribution to CHRP-Welcome at St Patrick Catholic Church, Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme, or Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools which are all favorite Tenbusch charities. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Evelyn’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Evelyn Jean Tenbusch

June 2, 1936 - April 22, 2021