Evelyn Onkes

Nicolena Evelyn Lanzafame Onkes was born January 30, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, to Joseph Patrick Lanzafame and Caroline Castronova Lanzafame. She passed away July 19, 2015, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of natural causes. Evelyn had two brothers, Joseph, the older and Salvatore, the younger. She graduated from F. K. Lane High School in Brooklyn, and upon graduation began working full time to help her family. Her brother Joe went to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and introduced Evelyn to his roommate – her future husband – Ronald E. Onkes. After Ron completed his service as a Lieutenant in the Navy, he began his career in energy and Naval Fuels. On June 27, 1952, Ron and Evelyn were married at the Church of the Holy Family in Brooklyn, New York. They had three children, Deborah Dobbe, Donna Cole, and Ronald Onkes, Jr. They raised their children on Long Island and upstate New York before moving to Idaho Falls in 1964 when Ronald took a job for the Nuclear Navy Program at the Naval Reactors Facility at the INL. Evelyn enjoyed being a member of the General Electric Wives Club, a Welcome Wagon Representative, and Southeast Idaho Republican Woman. One of her greatest experiences was Marshaling the Idaho Falls 4th of July Parade. When Ron was diagnosed with melanoma, Ron and Evelyn returned to New York in 1966, only to return to the open spaces of Idaho a year later. Upon their return, Evelyn enrolled in the first Licensed Practical Nursing program offered in Idaho Falls, preparing to assist Ron through his illness. Ron died May 19, 1975, and forever left a void in Evelyn's heart. Evelyn worked as a nurse in an assisted living center and later as an assistant deputy for the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office. In 1980, while working for the State of Idaho, Evelyn met and fell in love with Frank Kirkbride. They had many adventures and remained friends. Evelyn's last job was as a secretary, supporting the EG&G Idaho Relap 5 Engineering Group. Upon retirement, Evelyn enjoyed trips to Jackpot with fellow seniors. On one such trip, Evelyn met her friend and companion, Leonard Ahlstrom. Leonard and Evelyn enjoyed each other's company until his death in 2012. In 2012, Evelyn moved to Beyond Home in Afton, Wyoming, and received extraordinary love and care, then came back to Idaho Falls just two weeks ago, as her needs increased. She died 40 years and two months after the passing of her husband, Ronald. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald, and her oldest brother, Joseph. Evelyn is survived by her brother, Sal, her three children, nine grandchildren, James (Rebecca) Dobbe, Robin Dobbe, Stephanie Cole Remsburg, Brad (Lexie) Cole, Michael (Katie) Onkes, Matthew (Dani) Onkes, Mitchell (Hannah) Onkes, Erica Onkes (Corey) Hibbard, and Mason Onkes, and 12 great-grandchildren. There will be a Family Graveside Service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2015, to lay Evelyn to rest next to Ronald in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

Graveside Services will be held

11:00 a.m. ,Friday, July 24, 2015 Fielding Memorial Park 4750 South Yellowstone Highway Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83402