David Leland Evans

DAVID LELAND EVANS, age 80, of Clarks Grove passed away at his home on Monday, June 23, 2025.

David was born on May 1, 1945, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Verdun and Hazel (Mann) Hanson. He graduated from Marshall High School and went on to earn an associate degree in telecommunications from Dunwoody Technical College. David proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Benner where he worked on distilling chambers. He was honorably discharged as machinist mate second class.

After his military service, David returned home and eventually settled in Waterville in 1970. He worked for AT&T and later Frontier Communications until his retirement in 2008. In addition to his telecommunications career, David was also a licensed realtor.

David was previously married and had two sons, Bryon and Chad. On December 9, 2005, he married Joyce Olson in Waseca. Together they lived in Wells, Waseca, then made their loving home in Clarks Grove.

David was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors—especially hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed mowing the lawn, watching war movies and westerns, cooking, and indulging his sweet tooth. Above all, he deeply cherished the time spent with his family. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 311 in Elysian.

David is survived by his wife Joyce Evans of Clarks Grove; children, Chad (Kris) Evans of McGregor; Mary (Brett) Hager of Albert Lea, Lucas (Amanda) Rutanen of Grand Rapids, Leah (Dustin) Delaske of Waterville; grandchildren, Mason Evans, Zachary (Chelsea) Scheurer, Gracie Delaske, Shance Southard, Kenadie Delaske, Freya and Astrid Rutanen; great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Blair Scheurer; sisters, Judith Lang of Sturgis, SD, Jackie (Jack) DuBussy of Sioux Falls, SD; sister-in-law, Elfriede Evans of Rochester; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bryon Evans; grandson, Derrick Evans; brother, Leo Evans; and sister, Grace.

Committal service for David will be at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN. Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service is handling arrangements.