David J. Evancheck

David was born May 8, 1930 in Marinette, WI. He was the middle child with four sisters. They lived with their parents, John and Anna Evancheck, on a dairy farm in Porterfield. Both parents were of Slovakian heritage which influenced their work ethics and commitment to family. David went to the Walsh one room country school through eighth grade and then graduated from Marinette High School in 1948. After graduation he chose to join the Navy and served from 1951-1955 as an electrician's mate on the heavy cruiser USS Des Moines. He spent most of that time in the Mediterranean crossing the Atlantic 12 times. After the Navy, David went to the Devry Technical Institute in Chicago and received an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Upon graduation moved to Colorado. He worked at Martin Marietta before accepting a job at Simplex Time Recorder Co as a technician in 1960. It was during that time that David met Mary Ann Zellmer, a nurse from Wisconsin, at Messiah Lutheran Church on Colorado Blvd. At that time David was president of an active, fun young adults group called Chi Rho. David and Mary Ann shared similar backgrounds and interests. They were married in Omro, Wisconsin on October 20, 1962. They soon had two beautiful daughters, Ellen in 1966 and Amy in 1971 that were the pride of his life. Also in 1962 David went to the Sales Training Institute in Denver and became a Simplex Systems Sales Representative. His quiet trustworthy personality led him to a successful career in sales until he retired in 1992. During those years he frequently made 100% of his quota which meant the privilege of travel with Mary Ann to conventions in Switzerland, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean Islands, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Arizona and Pennsylvania. Life was good in spite of developing severe asthma in 1962 and becoming dependent on Prednisone for 45 years. Besides the company trips, David enjoyed trips with Mary Ann and the girls. They especially enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Fraser where the girls learned to ski at Winter Park. Another favorite was going back to the family farm home where everyone would gather - relatives and friends all sharing home cooked meals and stories of the past and present. It was a well known fact he loved pie and ice cream. David was closely connected to family and church. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Marinette. Wherever he lived as a young adult he found a place of worship. He and Mary Ann have been active members of Christ the King Lutheran Church since 1966. David served on church council as well as ushered and organized ushers for many years. Regular worship attendance was always important to him. Whatever David did it was done well, on time and with his usual good nature. He approached people quietly, knew how to listen and would wait for an opportunity in the conversation to inject on his famous jokes. He remembered many. His one goal in life was to be healthy again so he could snow and water ski, play softball, work, fix things and enjoy family life. Frequent hospitalizations increased after his retirement. Heart and lung disease prevented much of his activity. In spite of it all he remained optimistic and hoped for better days. The highlight of his last hospital stay was celebrating his 80th birthday with his family and eating lobster, pie and ice cream. He was loved and remembered by many. David died quietly at home on July 2, 2010 with Mary Ann, Ellen and Amy and his Hospice nurse at his bedside. He is also survived by his sisters: Louise Perez Pelaez of Chicago, IL; Phyllis Krueger of Rhinelander, WI; and Marilyn Zaroff of Cecil, WI; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ruth Evancheck. May God bless our memories of him. Memorial donations suggested to the Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lutheran Family Services or Exempla Lutheran Collier Hospice. Please share your memories of David and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.