Evon Marie (Prentice) Fleckenstein

Evon Marie Fleckenstein of Vicksburg passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the age of 82. Evon was born on April 1, 1941 in Battle Creek. She was the daughter of Hubert and Lydia (VanOverloop) Prentice. She graduated from Mattawan High School with the Class of 1959. Interesting fact about Evon:  at one time, she was a ball girl for the Kalamazoo Lassies, an American Girls Professional Baseball League team in the mid 50’s. While growing up, she met her brother’s friend, Paul “Jim” Fleckenstein. Years later, Jim made a point to reintroduce himself, and they ultimately married on November 24, 1967.  Their four children - Kim, Sue, Brian and Cindy – spanned two decades.  The family continued to grow, with six grandchildren: Trevor, David, Devin, Abby, Dana and Ella and two great grandchildren.  Christmas was Evon’s favorite holiday, and she loved the large celebrations at the house when the entire family gathered there to decorate, trim the tree and spend the day opening gifts.   

Evon and Jim enjoyed watching their favorite college football team, Notre Dame, and attended games for many years in South Bend.  Her love of sports extended to all women’s sports, whether it was watching on television or even travelling to watch the Irish compete for a national championship in basketball.  She was not only just a spectator, though.  Evon was an accomplished bowler and participated in many local leagues.

She carried her love of travel from childhood to her own family, planning summer vacations that spanned the country, including two of her favorites:  Disney World and Hawaii.  She and Jim also very much enjoyed spending some time at the casinos and trying her luck at the slot machines. At one period of her life, she collected comic books. She eventually decided to sell her collection so that she could buy her “little convertible” dream car, a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. Anyone who knew her well would know her story wouldn’t be complete without a mention of her love for Elvis Presley – the only music that ever played on her car stereo.  She was fortunate enough to see him in concert in Kalamazoo twice near the end of his career.  She also maintained a professional career in banking and finance with multiple companies, eventually retiring from Pfizer in 2002. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul “Jim” Fleckenstein; parents: Hubert and Lydia Prentice; brother: Jack Prentice (Patricia).

Evon is survived by her four children: Kim (Richard) Jones, of Coldwater; Susan (John) Sterling, of NC; Brian (Michelle) Fleckenstein, of Scotts; and Cindy (Randy) Howard, of AL;  six grandchildren: Trevor Kiel, David (Stormi) Jones, Devin (Dakota) Jones, Abby Lockwood, Dana Lockwood, and Ella Lockwood; and two great grandchildren: Rhylee and Waylon Jones.  She also is survived by one brother-in-law, Tom (Marilyn) Fleckenstein, of FL;  nieces and nephews: Mark and Jeff Prentice; Cammy and Kevin Fleckenstein.

The family is having a private visitation and service.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to visit Evon’s webpage and sign her guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family. Those who wish ay make contributions to Centrica Care Navigators and/or SPCA of Southwest Michigan.

The Fleckenstein family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.