Evelyn May Bielser, age 88, of Gladstone, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. She was born September 10, 1937 in Yarmouth, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Florence Coppes Connolly. On June 14, 1957, she married Junior Bielser in Gladstone. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2018.
Evelyn was a graduate of Lone Tree (Iowa) High School. She worked for a few years at the former Sylvania Corp. in Burlington, but spent most of her adult life as a homemaker, taking care of her home and family. One of her biggest joys in life was babysitting for friends and family, which she did for many years. She enjoyed going to ball games, baking, babysitting, attending Old Threshers events, and most importantly, spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Survivors include one daughter, Debra (Paul) Anderson of Stronghurst, three sons, Darrel (Tracey) Bielser of Gladstone, Terry (DeDe) Bielser of Stronghurst, Stephen (Margaret) Bielser of Oquawka, thirteen grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, seven sisters, Colleen (Larry) Walker of Wapello, IA, Daisey Seitz of Gladstone, Patricia (Carl) Smith of Macomb, IL, Karen (Glen) Zippe of Burlington, IA, Sharon Jennings of Mt. Union, IA, Marsha (Doug) Robertson of Columbus Junction, IA, Carmal (Tom) Alworth of Wapello, IA, two brothers, Larry (Lila) Connolly and Omar (Phyllis) Connolly, both of Wapello, one brother-in-law, John Malcolm of Wapello, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, one brother in infancy, and two sisters, Nancy Anderson and Dorothy Malcolm.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by a graveside service at Noon Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Burlington, IA. A memorial fund has been established for the West Central Schools sports programs. Please visit Evelyn’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
