Evan Lee Durfey

Evan Lee Durfey, 65, passed away August 27, 2025, in Hollister, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends

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Evan was born in Winterset, Iowa, to Bill and Marjorie Durfey. He graduated from high school in Truro, Iowa, and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. While attending college, Evan met the love of his life, Laureen Umlauf, and they married in 1983.

Evan and Laureen lived in Johnston, Iowa, for 33 years and developed close friendships with their neighbors. He landed his dream job at Lorenz and Jones Marine Distributors, working there for 17 years.

He attended Grimes United Methodist Church (now Prairie Creek Church), where he enjoyed singing in the church band and participating in core groups.

For over 20 years, Evan and Laureen vacationed at Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri with family and friends. In 2021, Evan and Laureen fulfilled a dream by moving to a home on Table Rock Lake near Blue Eye, Missouri.

With compassion and kindness, Evan shared his love of fishing, boating and waterskiing. He patiently and calmly taught well over 100 children, youth and adults how to waterski, kneeboard and fish. He and Laureen warmly offered hospitality to those who entered their home, as they shared meals and created fun memories.

Evan never wavered in his Christian faith or belief in a loving God. He humbly faced health challenges with a positive attitude, providing an example to those who knew him with his strength of character.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 42 years, Laureen Durfey of Blue Eye, Missouri; mother, Marjorie Reed of Osceola, Iowa; brothers: Alan (Jane) Durfey and Ted Durfey both of Indianola, Iowa; nieces and nephew: Amber (Teddy) Hutchinson of Omaha, Nebraska, Chad (Erin) of Indianola, and Ashley (Marcus) Hendrickson of Indianola; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Durfey and an infant brother, Brad.

A celebration of Evan's life will be held Saturday September 13, 2025, at Prairie Creek Church, 801 W. 1st St., Grimes, Iowa. The family will greet friends starting at 12:30 p.m., with the service at 2:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Memorials may be given in Evan's name to Convoy of Hope (https://convoyofhope.org/donate/) in Springfield, Missouri, or Meals from the Heartland (https://mealsfromtheheartland.org/donate/) in West Des Moines, Iowa. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.