Cecile Evansen

Cecile M. Evansen, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Dimensions Living in Appleton. She was born October 10, 1936, daughter of the late Arthur and Laura (Morin) Nault.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ervin and Francis Nault and one sister Jeanette Kraus. Also going to heaven ahead of her were her husband Gordon, and one son-in-law David Nelson. 

Cecile is survived by a large family including her eight children; David Evansen, Appleton: Joan (Paul) Herder, Spencer, WI: Russell (Mary) Evansen, Waunakee, WI: Laura Nelson, Neenah, WI: Gerald (Kristi) Evansen, Appleton, WI: Andrew Evansen, Vermillion, MN: Paul Evansen, Kaukauna, WI: and Ryan (Aleja) Evansen, Cali, Colombia.

She is further survived by 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren on the way, and 13 foster babies she lovingly cared for in their infancy. 

Cecile was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and wife, but to those she leaves behind, she was first and foremost a mother.  "Great" and "grand" in the truest sense of the words.  She was a woman who saw the world through her own special lens of compassion and faith.  Traits she worked tirelessly to pass on to each of her children.  She enjoyed the simple beauties of life.  Watching the flowers she planted each year grow in her backyard "bed" inside of one of her father's old tractor tires.  Anxiously awaiting the spring blooms of the peonies and tulips and tending to them all as only a mother's hands could do.  She showed her gentle strength in the way she conducted her household.  Each day, a different page in a chaotic yet masterful symphony of baths, bookwork and bed time stories.

She displayed her love for her family in the smallest of details.  Each child's birthday made special by allowing them to pick their favorite homemade meal and dessert.  Through it all, she modeled faithful forgiveness at the times her children needed it most and at others, a firm but tender discipline to keep us on the straight and narrow path.  Our mother was indeed, the rarest of "lights" on this earth.  For 89 years she was a constant beacon, always willing to light our paths wherever they may take us, but always warmly guiding us back home each time we simply needed a tender embrace, a loving smile, or to experience the joy of her laughter.  Her light now shines in the lives of everyone she touched.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Dimensions Living, Appleton for their loving care of mom in her final years. 

Mom's favorite color was blue so the family asks if anyone attending would like to wear something blue in her honor, we would love that! 

The Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St. Neenah, with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 AM until the hour of Mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.  The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date. For those unable to attend Mass, it will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urb7sfsFfzc