Evelyn (Evie) Wichelns Jerger

Evelyn (Evie) Wichelns Jerger, on June 25,2022, surrounded by family and friends, went home to be with her Lord. She was the only child and beloved daughter of John Henry Wichelns and Marie Peper Wichelns of Pearl River New York. She was born in her Grandmother’s home in Pearl River on October 24, 1920, where she was raised. Evie helped her mother with her ailing Grandmother and her father with the many chores associated with a family farm and confectioners business. Raised during the Great Depression and being an only child, Evie was self reliant and a big help to her family.

Evie graduated from high school and enrolled in the Lennox Hill Hospital nurse’s training in New York City. Due to the start of Word War II, she decided to join The US Army Nurse Corps after graduation from Lennox Hill Hospital. She was assigned to the 12th Evacuation Hospital Unit, which consisted of a staff of 32 officers, 34 nurses, and 10 enlisted men from Lennox Hill. It was a 750 bed mobile hospital unit moving behind the battle lines to help American fighting men in their hours of greatest need.

In England, she met a Bomber Pilot named Richard M. Jerger in August of 1943 at a celebration of his group’s 100th mission party. They were married on February 4, 1944 with the permission of their respective general who were at the ceremony. Shortly after, Evelyn shipped out for duty in France. She tells the story of letting him know where she was, by writing, “ If we have a daughter , I want to call her Nancy”. This let him know she was in Nancy, France. As USAF Major Jerger flew bombing missions over Nazi Germany, Mrs. Jerger marched with the 12th through Europe behind Patton’s 3rd Army.

Late in the war, Evie returned to her home in Pearl River to await the birth of her first child and the return of her husband from Europe. In 1946 they travelled to Dick’s home in St. Petersburg to begin a new chapter. From being the professional nurse and supporting the US war efforts, Evie focused her attention on establishing their home, helping her husband in the growth of the family business, raising 3 sons, and working with church, community and civic endeavors. In 1989, the then St. Petersburg Junior College named its nursing program, the Evelyn W. Jerger Nursing Program. As a member of Pasadena Community Church, her dream of a better community for the “little children” resulted in the establishment of basketball at Jerger Hall at the church.

Nearing retirement, Evie and Dick had time for travel, being with grandchildren and establishing a vacation home in her beloved mountains surrounding Lake Burton in Clayton, GA. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have loved being with her there. After her husband’s death in 2007, they have made sure she could spend her summers there. It was from her beloved “Up Yonder” that she left this earthly world, just 4 months from her 102nd birthday.

Evelyn is survived by her 3 sons: Rick and wife Cathy, Tom and wife Sandy, and Dean and wife Andie; Her 6 grandchildren: John, Mitch, Michele, Adam, Ted and Chance; 16 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild on the way. Two of her great granddaughters are following in her notable steps. 2nd Lieutenant Evelyn Ruth Jerger is enlisted in the Army, and Lexie Jerger is completing her nurse’s training at Galen School of Nursing.

Evelyn “Evie” Jerger will always be remembered for her love and dedication for her family and friends, her independent, confident nature, her love for her Lord, and her desire to see any and all activities of her great grands.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7 at Brett Funeral Home, 4810 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL from 5-7 pm. Funeral Service will be 11am at Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St S, St Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite Hospice group or a charity dedicated to children or our veterans.

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