Evelyn Safeblade

Evelyn C. Safeblade, age 99, of Spooner, WI passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her home.

Evelyn was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 8, 1926, to Francis and Avis (Stockton) Collins. Evelyn, her older brother Francis and her younger brother Ralph grew up on a small farm and enjoyed the freedom to play, create and raise havoc when necessary, along with doing their many chores.

Evelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Sargent College, now part of Boston University, in the 1940s. Evelyn loved physical activity as well as being in nature. She taught physical education at Aurora College in Aurora IL where she met John Safeblade. They married in 1950 and moved to Hinsdale IL. In Hinsdale, Evelyn and John raised six children. John and Evelyn were integral members of the Union Church of Hinsdale. Evelyn lived out her deep faith in God every day.

In the 1960s Evelyn and John were significant in the founding of the Farm Club in Burr Ridge IL.  The Farm Club was an organization designed to support children with disabilities at a time when there were few opportunities available for them. The Farm Club offered a place for recreation, including horseback riding, the care of animals, games, and socialization. The Farm Club still exists today and people with disabilities can still ride horses, socialize and play there.

In the 1970s Evelyn earned her master's degree in special education at DePaul University, Chicago. She nurtured and supported people with special needs for many years.

In 1980, Evelyn and John moved to Spooner, WI where Evelyn nursed John through his battle with Alzheimer's.  Until he became seriously ill and needed constant care, Evelyn was a substitute teacher, joined the Methodist Church, enjoyed their lake property and met many lifelong friends.

Evelyn and Kathy Shattuck were essential in the creation of the Spooner Food Pantry where they worked for many years. She was also a member of the United Methodist Bible study group, president of the Circle group, and worked at the Spooner library book sale.

 When caring for her husband, Evelyn started writing novels. Evelyn published eight novels depicting strong women in precarious situations. She finished her last book “Sisters” at the age of 96 and was published when she was 97 years old. A quote from “Sisters”, which describes her character Teddy's experience of kayaking, exemplifies Evelyn’s passion for physical activity and the great outdoors.

“Using a little more strength, Teddy was amazed at how swiftly the craft moved through the sea. She felt excited, joyous and free all at once. The blue-green sea, the feel of the air on her body as she moved forward, the gulls overhead, calling, all put her in a world of joy, of peace, of belonging. The paddle moved rhythmically, smoothly in her hands. The kayak glided smoothly, quietly through the water.”

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Safeblade; two brothers, Francis and Ralph Collins; daughter, Nancy Safeblade; sons-in-law, Richard Albrecht and Juan Miranda; and son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Sue Rivera.

She will be missed by her four children, Barb (Jim Hale) Albrecht of Friendship, WI, John Safeblade of Rice Lake, WI, David (Debbie) Safeblade of Chicago, IL, Dori Miranda of East Chicago, IN; grandchildren and many close friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Spooner United Methodist Church with a time of gathering from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Evelyn’s family would like to thank the Spooner Police Department, Moments Hospice, Spooner Health, Essentia-St. Mary’s, Neighbor to Neighbor in Washburn County and many friends for their care and kindness to Evelyn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to any of the following organizations, Washburn County Humane Society, Washburn County Food Pantry, Salvation Army or the United Methodist Church in Spooner.