Joseph "Joe" Evens

Joseph “Joe” Evens, 89, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026.

Joe was born on December 8, 1936, in Westphalia, Iowa, to George and Marie Evens, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Patrick Evens and Hubert Evens, as well as two grandchildren.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1991. During his long and distinguished military career, he completed two tours in Germany and Vietnam and served during the Gulf War. For his service in the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star. His decades of service reflected a deep and abiding love for his country, along with a sense of duty, discipline, and quiet pride that never left him. Everyone who knew Joe knew that “God Bless the USA” was his song, a reflection of the gratitude and respect he carried for the freedoms he served to protect.

Joe was a devoted husband to his wife, Kathryn Evens. Joe and Kathryn were a perfect match. Their love was easy to see and often shared with a smile or a laugh. Joe never minded when Kathryn teased him, he took it in stride and often seemed to enjoy it, and their playful back-and-forth was a small but familiar joy to everyone around them. It was a partnership built on companionship, humor, and a deep affection that showed in everyday moments.

One of the memories shared most often about Joe was how seriously he took his role as host during family gatherings. He moved with remarkable speed, clearing cups and plates sometimes before anyone realized they were finished. Set a cup down, turn around, and it was gone. It became such a familiar part of gatherings that it turned into a memory everyone carried of him. He also lovingly referred to his grandchildren as his “yard birds,” a nickname that brought smiles and spoke to his gentle humor and affection.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his children Richard Pratt Jr., William Pratt, Patricia Rimel, Sara Reitz, Catherine Sweeney, Mary Sulima, Thomas Pratt-Watson, Edward Pratt, and Thomas Evens; his siblings Sharon Bush and Wayne Evens; as well as 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his quiet sense of responsibility, his love of family, and his unwavering pride in his country. His legacy of service, love, and presence lives on in the many lives he touched.

Funeral and Visitation Information: Services and visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Walkersville, Maryland, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by services at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at a later date with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans.