Joseph Evanovich Jr.

Joseph Evanovich Jr.

Washington

Joseph Evanovich Jr., 83, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023. He went peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospital after being surrounded by his treasured family.

Celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the United Methodist Church. Calling hours will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for the Washington County Hospital Foundation for future Clinic projects. Online condolences may be sent for Joe’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Joe was born August 28, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Joseph and Helen (Erdei) Evanovich Sr.

He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and Busgaw, North Carolina. Joe moved to Iowa at the age of 19 to make his mark in sales. He was No.1 salesman selling magazines. Little did he know, that same magazine company also employed a special young lady, Jane Ann Walker. She was the love of his life and their friendship blossomed into wedding vows spoken on July 26, 1959.

The sales job took the newlyweds to Kansas City and Wichita, Kansas for 3 years. Family ties always being a life long priority to them both, brought them back to Iowa. Joe and Jane settled in Washington, Iowa, and lovingly raised their four children.

Joe’s father-in-law, Otis Walker, introduced Joe to an investment business where Otis was a salesman. The company was then called IDS (Investors Diversified Services). Joe was passionate about this business and determined to learn all that he could in the trade. He excelled in sales and moved into leadership and management positions. He traveled the country teaching many risk management seminars. He was Division Vice President in the company now called Ameriprise Financial after 50+ years when he retired.

Joe always wanted the best for everyone and was a genuine caretaker. He brought his 4 brothers from Detroit to Iowa. He helped them by teaching them to run a small side business Joe had; Kool Krest mini golf and they also painted houses in Washington. The older brothers were introduced to the investment business world. Eventually, 3 of his 4 brothers ended up making their life careers at Ameriprise. Today he has 3 son-in-law’s and 3 grandsons in the business. He took great pride in helping them get started.

Joe also had a servant’s heart and enjoyed meeting people through being a member of the Jaycees and Kiwanis. He loved Broadway shows in New York City, which led him to be involved in the Washington Community Theatre. He codirected and helped with GI Jukebox and My Fair Lady. He also had a large role in getting the Washington County Beauty Pageants off the ground. Joe left this world a better place by his acts of love and generosity.

Very few people in this world, who knew Joe, were not touched in some way by some act of kindness by him. It brought him such joy treating people to meals, boxes of candy, ordering books for friends, and even treating acquaintances to Broadway shows. He was a problem solver, mentor, and teacher. The most valuable lesson he taught and shared was his spirit of GIVING! His giving nature was unparalleled.

Joe’s recent act of giving was getting donations for Washington County Hospital for future clinic expansions. May we all strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others while on this earth and keep Joe’s memory alive by living as generously.

Left to cherish Joe’s memories are his beloved wife. Jane, of 62 years; daughters, Becky (Roger) Adam, Aimee (Jeff) Enfield and Sarah (Chris) Leyden; his grandchildren, Tiffany Glover, Paul Adam, Seth Adam, Kael Adam, Joseph Evanovich IV, Zach Evanovich, Emma Welch, Nicole Enfield, Natalee Gent, Noah Enfield, Madeline Leyden and Lydia Leyden; and great-grandchildren, Kylee and Paxton Glover; Sadie Adam; J.P, Andon and Luka Adam; Joseph Evanovich V; Charlotte and Frannie Evanovich; Layne and Tessa Gent; and Brexley and Watts Welch. He is also survived by four brothers, Louie, Roy, Nick and Jerry Evanovich; one sister, Helen Drapiza; and sister-in-law, Twila Hobbs.

In addition to his parents and one brother, Stephen; his only son, Joe III, preceded him in death in March 2009.

The Promise of Heaven and meeting his son again brings joy and comfort to the family’s hearts.