Evangeline V. "Vangie" Reimann, age 91 of St. Francis, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Anoka Care and Rehab.

Evangeline Violet Espe grew up in Austin, MN, the fifth child in a family with 12 children. She attended school through the 8th grade and helped her family by working in a variety of jobs before moving to St. Francis, MN, at age 19. There she worked in her uncle's restaurant and met a tall, dashing young fellow named Walter. They were married and Vangie made the Reimann family farm her home. She was always a hard worker, on the farm and later, at Federal Cartridge.

Vangie and Walt were charter members of Trinity Lutheran and church life was very important to them. Vangie taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and helped maintain the church property. In her retirement she coordinated the Sunday morning rolls and funeral meals where she was famous for her baked beans and potato salad. Serving the church community gave her great joy and purpose.

Over the years Vangie and Walt also found some time for fun, especially square dancing, ice fishing, and hosting "Deer Camp" as well as family time. Her grandchildren fondly remember numerous sleepovers and a freezer full of ice cream treats. Vangie was a big fan at ball games, and loved bringing the kids places like the air show and rodeo. She even traveled to Japan to visit and take care of the grandkids. In later years Chris and her "Gram" spent lots of time together working the vegetable garden and watching Hallmark movies late into the night.

As her health deteriorated and she became less mobile due to Parkinson's, she moved into assisted living. Last Wednesday she enjoyed a festive lunch with Carol and Chris, her sister Alice, and nieces Rosie and Sandy. It must have felt like a good time to say farewell, because a few days later she died peacefully with her family present.

We love you Vangie and are filled with gratitude and joy for the many years we shared with you.

In addition to her parents, Nels and Bessie (Howell) Espe, Vangie was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; sons, David and Daniel; 6 brothers; and 4 sisters.  She is survived by her daughters, Carol Gamm (Darwin) and Rachel Stenson (Randy); grandchildren, Holly McWilliams (Ian), Eric Reimann, Traci Reimann, Mark Gamm (Carrie), Christine Gamm (Jen Wood), Bryan Stenson (McKenna), and Emily Stenson; great-grandchildren, Jarad, Carter, Brady, Harper, Eli, Alyssa, and Carter.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3812 229th Avenue NW, St. Francis.  Visitation one hour prior to the service at church (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.)  Interment West Oak Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220