Evelyn Schau

Age 103, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Evelyn was born on September 29, 1916, in Traverse City, the daughter of Thomas and Estella (Lewis) Wheeler. She was married to Harvey Schau who preceded her in death in 1984. Evelyn graduated from Grand Haven High School and received a scholarship to Parsons Business School from which she also graduated. She worked as a legal secretary and set up a table in the lobby of the Harris Hotel in Kalamazoo, where she typed letters and documents for hotel guests. During the Great Depression, she and Harvey went to Chicago to try to find work. There, she had to lie about her marital status to get a job, since married women became pregnant and couldn't continue working. With the scarcity of finances, they had to decide whether they should buy an ice cream and walk home or take the bus. Later, they bought and ran small motels in Florida. She enjoyed singing and sang in several glee clubs. She exercised and walked every day. Evelyn is survived by her children, Sandra ""Ginger"" (Allen Baker) Miller of Kalamazoo and Charles (Veronica) Schau of Titusville, FL; grandchildren, Shelby (Richard) Burton, Shannon (Mark Weitekamper) Miller, Jennifer (Mario) Ricatti, Rayleen Schau; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Lillian (Paul) Zellar; several nieces and nephews; Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings; a son-in-law, David B. Miller; and a special friend, Will Pendleton. A Celebration of Evelyn's life will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Woods, 5749 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.