A part of East Toledo's history has been lost, but her legacy will live on. Evelyn H. Krieger, 95, peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 9 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Evelyn was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 24, 1922 to Henry and Lena (Kern) Kregel, but soon relocated to East Toledo where her family roots were embedded. Evelyn's lifelong journey remained in East Toledo as she became a Waite High School graduate and long-term resident within the community. Evelyn was an avid member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church where she later married the love of her life, Wesley N. Krieger. Soon after marrying, Evelyn and Wesley started a family and they were blessed with three children that filled their hearts and home. In 1947, Evelyn and Wesley ventured by executing their dreams and built a neighborhood convenient store, raising their family in the apartment above the business. Unremarkably, the store remains prosperous and known today as the Island Variety; the longest surviving family-owned convenient store in Toledo's history. Anyone familiar with the Island can contest that Evelyn ran a non-nonsense tight business where she demonstrated strong work ethics, integrity and a passion for all involved. Although Evelyn was a stickler about honesty and value, her generosity was immeasurable. While the store was Evelyn's residence, the community became her extended family. Evelyn had a soft heart, open ears and words of wisdom for anyone whom entered. She always had a contagious smile that could brighten anyone's day. When away from the store, Evelyn enjoyed traveling and was proud to say that she traveled around the world twice, stopping at almost every country worldwide. However, Las Vegas was her favorite destination as Evelyn enjoyed a good hand of Blackjack and would sit at the table for hours! In 1975, Evelyn and Wesley "retired" from running the business, transferring ownership to their two daughters, Carol and Gail. However, after a brief vacation, the love for the business brought Evelyn back to "business as usual." Evelyn remained actively involved until her declining health forced her to take less of an active role. Until the time of her passing, Evelyn was often found walking laps in the store and stopping to say hello to the many generations of patrons she grew to know and love through the business. When reflecting back, all that knew Evelyn will say, "She was so sweet. We just loved her." Evelyn leaves behind a profound legacy that she has etched into the hearts of everyone she knew and the lives she has touched. Surviving are her children, Carol (Marv) Belknap, Gary (Sandy) Krieger, Gail (Gary) Durczynski, Jeff Schenkel; grandchildren, Becky (John), Michael (April), Ben (Cindy), Andy (Sherry), Julie (David), Jeff (Brandy), Michelle, John, Stephanie (Kirk), Valerie (Jim), Bradley (Nikki) and Jeff; and many great grandchildren. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lena (Kern) Kregel; husband, Wesley; brothers, Lyle and Kregel; and great grandson, Cody VanHersett. Visitation will be held at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will conducted on Wednesday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Willow Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Evelyn's name are asked to consider the Cody VanHersett Scholarship Fund, c/o First Federal Bank, 3426 Navarre Avenue, Oregon, Ohio 43616. Evelyn's family would like to thank Lane Park of Oregon Assisted Lving nurses and staff for the love, compassion and care provided to Evelyn during her short stay.