Happy Birthday, Evelyn Bernatz!

112 years ago today, a wonderful woman named Evelyn Berg, who would late become Evelyn Bernatz when she married Arthur was born. Many will remember Evelyn for her warm and welcoming ways as desk clerk at the Hotel Winneshiek and hostess at Mabe's Pizza in Decorah for many a year. 

Evelyn is pictured here in the front row on DiAnn's right as part of the team that helped Gary and DiAnn produce a beautiful  presidential reception at the Hotel Fort Des Moines the year Gary served as president of the Association of Iowa Fairs in 1973. Click on the photo for a larger view.

Evelyn played a special role in Gary & DiAnn meeting. As noted in DiAnn's funeral remarks, she joined the team at the Hotel Winneshiek Tap Room. One night, she felt annoyed by the behavior of some customers. She exclaimed to her colleague Evelyn, "I'm so sick of these married men who come in here without their wives and misbehave! And THAT guy is the worst one of them.”

Evelyn gently lowered DiAnn’s pointer finger back down to her side and offered more context, “THAT guy is actually single and he’s acting that way because he likes you.” That was her formal introduction to Gary Dean Svenson. 

Thanks for the intro, Evelyn! Memories of your sweetness and warm hospitality still warm our hearts.