David William Evans

David William Evans
Mass of Christian Burial was held, Monday, June 9th at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for David William Evans who died Wednesday evening, June 4, 2014 at his home in his loving wife’s arms after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Rev. Scott Pogatchnik and Rev. Alan Wielinski celebrated mass followed by burial in the parish cemetery.
Dave was born to Robley and Rita (Flaherty). He grew up in Albany attending Holy Family Elementary and Albany High School. He went on to play football at St. John’s University and then attended St. Cloud State University. He married his high-school sweetheart, Geralyn Nathe, on August 4, 1979. Shortly after his youngest son was born, he became a rural route carrier for the United States Postal Service. He loved going to work each day, delivering peoples’ dreams in the form of college acceptances, wedding invitations, and birthday cards. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Catholic United Financial, and the Postal Union and Guild. He served on the Avon City Council and was a supporter of Castaway retreats and Albany Athletics. He cherished family time, including playing cards, Monopoly, and Risk; enjoying the blessing of living on Upper Spunk Lake; grilling – especially red meat; teaching many nieces and nephews to water ski; tending to the family garden; and encouraging his sons in their lives – especially sports. Dave was a great role model for his sons, teaching them to make a difference in the world and to know God’s love through his life and faithfulness. He was a witty, patient, honest, loving, and humble man. He enjoyed philosophical conversations and cared about the meaning of life. Dave’s battle with cancer was heroic, and he vowed to never, ever give up. He inspired us all to live and enjoy every day. “Life is Good” was his motto. While trusting in his eternal rest, he will be dearly missed.
David is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Geralyn Nathe-Evans; sons, Michael David of Detroit Lakes, Matthew David and Luke David of Avon; mother, Rita of St. Cloud; siblings, Robley (Joan) of Mendota Heights, Bill (Carol) of Chesterfield, MO, Mary Kay (Phil) Sinner of Renville; his Nathe family of Bev Nathe, Mary (Chuck) Merchant, David (Amy) Nathe, Vicki (Steve) Dawson, Paul Nathe, and Nicole (Jason) Ramstad; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his dad Bob, father-in-law Gerry Nathe, and two nephews.