Evelyn Brehm

Evelyn was born in Gordon, Nebraska to Oscar and Christina Anderson on November 18, 1927 and passed away of natural causes at St. Michaels Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington on October 26, 2026 at the age of 98.

Evelyn grew up with 5 siblings on the family farm in Gordon. She was baptized and confirmed in Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Gordon. As a child she rode a horse to attend school in a one room school house. She of course helped with farm chores. She enjoyed singing with her sisters while other family members accompanied them on piano, guitar, and the fiddle. Her family also enjoyed time together playing board games such as checkers.

In 1946 she married William (Bill) Gibbs and they made their home in Bremerton, Washington where they raised 3 children. They purchased a portion of the existing holly farm on Chico Way. They sold bulk holly and holly wreaths for nearly 40 years. Evelyn was an expert at making beautiful holly wreaths. They enjoyed family road trips back to the farm in Nebraska and camping trips with family and friends at the ocean.

When her husband Bill passed away, Evelyn sold her home and had a home built adjacent to the Kitsap Golf and Country Club in 1988 where she resided until her death. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings.

Evelyn worked as a secretary at Central Kitsap Junior High for 16 years. In 1990 she married Duane Brehm. They enjoyed golfing and traveling including several cruises before Duane’s passing in 2017.

Evelyn’s passion was working in her yard consisting of many rhododendrons and azaleas. She also enjoyed working with stained glass.

Her greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for her beautiful red hair and bright smile.

She is survived by her children; Greg Gibbs (Mary) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Deborah Collier (Mike) of Poulsbo, and Cindy Hanson (Randy) of Bremerton; 5 granddaughters, 6 great grandsons, 4 great granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was a long time member of Silverdale Lutheran Church. Anyone wishing to give memorial donations in Evelyn’s name may give to Silverdale Lutheran Church or any organization of their choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on November 13th at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton.

The family would like to thank the staff of both Northwoods Lodge and St. Michaels Medical Center who took such wonderful care of Evelyn.