Evelyn Bell

Evelyn "Babe" Bell passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, April 4, 2017 at Aspirus Hospice House at the age of 98.

She was born on August 4, 1918 in Amherst to the late Andrew and Signe (Velund) Brathovde. She grew up on the family farm learning the value of hard work and closeness of family. Babe met her future husband, Alexander "Ralph" Bell and were married February 14, 1951 in Stevens Point. They moved to Wausau with Ralph working at Murray Machinery and Babe taking care of their home and four children, Joe, Judy, Linda and Ralph. While the kids were in school, Babe worked at the Girl and Boy Scout offices. She enjoyed reading, gardening, crafting and traveling. Babe was a devout and founding member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Wausau.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Nicholas) Lucas of Las Vegas, NV, Judy (John) Carlton of Salem, SC, Joseph (Patti) Bell of Placitas, NM, six grandchildren, Alexander (Kirsten) Lucas, Jesse (Julie) Carlton, Jamie (Nate) Gundrum, Deanna (Joaquin) Encinias, Ralph (Julie) Bell, Stacey Bell, great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Judy Sorlie of Wausau and her special companion, Precious and numerous nieces and nephews.

Babe was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, her son, Ralph, two grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Bell and Nicholas Jason Lucas and two brothers, Anton and Arvid Brathovde.

Funeral services will be Noon on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Reverend Steve Grunwald of Cornerstone Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Amherst. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

We would like to thank everyone who helped take care of Mother over these last few years, especially Mary Ann Malinowski.