SWEA CITY — Joel Timothy Evans, 72, passed away October 4, 2026, at his home in Swea City after a long battle with cancer. His family remembers a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose faith, laughter and love of golf touched many lives.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 First Street in Swea City. His funeral service will follow Monday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at the church.
Born March 5, 1954, in Blue Earth, Minnesota, Joel was the son of William and Minerva (Thomas) Evans. He graduated from high school in Elmore, Minnesota, and began working at Winnebago Industries in Forest City. He subsequently worked at Art’s Way Manufacturing in Armstrong and later at Valero in Lakota, retiring in 2022.
After high school Joel married Karen Engelbarts, and they had two children. On May 8, 1992, he married Brenda Engeman. They welcomed two more children and made their home in Swea City.
For Joel, family always came first. He cherished the company of loved ones and the laughter that filled their gatherings. He was also passionate about golf, an activity he enjoyed year-round and a way to connect with people throughout his life.
Joel had a mechanical mind, enjoyed engineering designs and could imagine new ways of making things work. His creativity was matched by humility and kindness.
A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Swea City, Joel held a deep faith and love for Jesus, values he carried into his everyday relationships.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Swea City; children Tanja Evans of Des Moines, Ryan (Maggie) Evans of Ames, Joshua (Jessica) Evans of Garrison, North Dakota, and Brittney (Michael) Rohde of Colome, South Dakota; and grandchildren Conner and Eva Buettner, Wyatt Evans, Abbie (Adam) Evans, Kain Neill, Mason Jessen, Ranie and Stormy Evans, and Rocker Rohde.
Other survivors include his siblings Barbara Anderson, Dorthy (James) Varno, Neil Evans and Kathy DeNio (Terry Gardner); brothers- and sisters-in-law David Guck, Steven (Vicki) Sterling, Chuck (Cheryl) Engeman, Larry (Nancy) Engeman, Nancy Engeman, Beth Slettedahl, Dan Engeman, Ron Schroeder and Nick Roney; and many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Harvey and Anna Mae (Engeman) Howard; sisters Millicent Guck, Avis Schroeder and Monica Roney; brothers Larry Evans, William Evans and Michael Evans; and brothers-in-law Donald Anderson, Rob Engeman, James Engeman and Goozer “Paul” Slettedahl.
Family and friends can share memories and condolences through Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory.
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