David Nevala

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David George Nevala, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on January 6, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas. David was born on April 4, 1953, in Redfield, South Dakota to George and Eula (Robinson) Nevala.
Prom king, wrestler, and track star at Huron High School in South Dakota, Dave set long-standing records in track and field. After graduating high school, Dave attended South Dakota State University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree. He then moved with his wife, Anje, to Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he received a master's degree. Dave spent his 40-plus year career working for the State of Arkansas ending his time with the Business Finance Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Dave's heart was always with his family from planning family roads trips to acting as the family genealogist, digging back centuries to find the origins of the family. An avid reader (never without two books going at once), Dave had a voracious appetite for knowledge and learning new things. A DJ without a turntable, he used his encyclopedic knowledge of rock-and-roll music to keep family and friends entertained during vacations, holidays, and get togethers. At any of these get togethers, without fail, you'd find him sporting one of his trusty Hawaiian shirts.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Eula and George Nevala, and his sister, Pamela (Nevala) Evans. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anjela Nevala; his two children, Emily Nevala and Louis (Kayla) Nevala; his grandchild, Lily Kate Nevala; his sister, Janine (Nevala) Welch; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dave was a good man, dedicated father, and loyal friend. He was known for being quick-witted and fun loving with a great sense of humor; he never met a stranger. He will forever be missed and remembered with heartfelt memories by his wife, family, and friends.
A Celebration of His Life with a time of sharing was held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Park on the River in Maumelle, Arkansas.
David's committal service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Frankfort, South Dakota. Father John Short will officiate.
Roller-Drummond Funeral Home of Little Rock, AR (rollerfuneralhomes.com) assisted with services in Arkansas. Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield, SD (www.hykefuneralhome.com) has been entrusted with arrangements in South Dakota.