Memorial

Clifford R. Evans 84, of Marion, IA, died Wednesday afternoon March 19, 2025, surrounded by his children and niece at Unity Point Hospice St. Luke’s Hospital. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids, IA. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025,  from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom.

Clifford Rudolph Evans, son of Clifford S. Evans and Oma Faye (Talcott) Evans, was born September 16, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Cliff was a member of the first graduating senior class from Washington High School in 1958. He enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in California and Japan. Upon returning home Cliff joined Pepsi Cola Bottling where he worked until retirement in 2000. He married his childhood crush, Diane L. Gellert of Holstein, IA on Valentine’s Day in 1965. They soon moved to Marion and were blessed with two children, Tracy and Clint. 

Cliff was a man of his word and had many talents. He was interested in how things work, fixing cars and everything else, and became the go-to guy for family, friends, and neighbors. He was an excellent marksman and hunter and enjoyed trap shooting and target shooting in his basement shooting gallery. Weekends were spent cutting firewood, attending Iowa Football and Iowa Wrestling meets, or at the family cabin. He loved babies, family, cloudy days, and holidays. Bigger was better, including a 16’ Christmas tree for a 13’ ceiling height and a fireplace that would accept logs requiring two men to lift. His backyard was his sanctuary, a canopy of trees with a deck that would accommodate small aircraft landings.  

Cliff is survived by his daughter Tracy (Evans) Pendergast, White Bear Lake, MN, a son, Clint Evans (Lori) Urbandale, IA, grandchildren Jack and Amanda Pendergast, Alexis (Evans) Ostiguy (Steve) of Lawrence, KS,  Addelyn Evans Des Moines, IA, great-grandchildren Harrison, Lydia, and Miles Ostiguy, his niece Jackie Hernandez and great nieces Tori Coffman (Jared and children), and Laci Carlson (Adam).

He was preceded in death by his wife Diane, sister and brother-in law Kathy and Jack McArtor, his nephew Mitchell McArtor, and grandson Hank Evans.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.