of Little Rock, AR
April 4, 1953 - January 6, 2025
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.
Please join those who loved Dave from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, for a Celebration of His Life with a time of sharing beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Park on the River, 11903 Crystal Hill Road, Maumelle, AR 72113.
A burial service will be held later this year in South Dakota.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15014555800.
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23 Condolence(s)
Mona Hughes
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Not only did I work with David, it was my privilege to babysit Emily when she was just weeks old when I left AIDC and stayed home with my own little ones. David was such an entertaining and engaging colleague who had a quick wit and creative approach to problem solving. He was such fun to work with and he and Anje were a fun and loving couple to be around. Sincere condolences to the entire Nevada family. Sending thoughts of comfort and healing to all of you. Mona Hughes
Kathy Lee
Thursday, January 23, 2025
David was in my CDI class and kept us all entertained. We worked together for about 20 years and although it’s been a while I’m sure we would have picked up where we left off. He was a good friend and respected professional. He will be truly missed. I pray for comfort for his family and friends. Fly high my friend!
Rob Middleton
Thursday, January 23, 2025
I was shocked to see David's obituary in the Sunday paper. It has been quite a while since we last visited in person, and I did not recognize the picture. Looks a bit more mature than the young man I hired back in the early 80's. One of my better hires. He was not only very intelligent, but very interesting...and interested. And a true family man. My sincere condolences to the family. He was a good man. A very good man.
Arlene Hansen
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Having gone for many, many years without seeing Dave and Anje (except for a rare Facebook post), it was so wonderful to spend an evening with them a few years ago at the White Water Tavern at a concert by the Greasy Greens. During that trip with my son, I got to experience three of my favorite Little Rock things all at once - the White Water, the Greens. And my friends from back in the day, Dave and Anje. I'm so happy I get to have that memory. It seemed like Dave hadn't changed a bit from our time at the Department of Local Services making monitoring trips all over Arkansas, office gatherings at TGIF, softball games baby showers, and so much more, always with Jane and Rob to keep us going. Anne, I wish I could have gotten together with you all more often over the years, maybe someday if you get back up to SD. I wish you well. (And that photo of Dave is just as I remember him.)
Bill and Becky Paxton
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
We all did a lot of growing up together when we were starting out at AIDC/CDBG programs. David was a big reason we were such a great success—-from all 4 corners of the state working to out outrageous interagency softball games—-David and Ms Anjie were there. We even had babies during all that fun! Twenty years after we left state government, the Nevala Family found us on one of the journeys and took the time to stop and catch up; show off our grown babies and all. That was David and Anjie—always going out of their way to do something special like that. We are so sorry for your loss but I am sure you see him and his bright, snappy smile when you turn around………..
John Krueger
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
As a IT consultant/contractor I've been all over the country and parts outside developing computer based solutions. As such Dave was truly special in a good way. He gladly gave of his time and expertise in providing valuable information and guidance to me in developing an answer to their needs. I'll miss him.
Kathy Kirby Eide
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Emily , inadvertently I thought I had listed you in my condolences. Apologies. Emily and Louis you father was one of my favorites. Always had a smile and a story.
Kathy Kirby Eide
Monday, January 20, 2025
50+years of friendship. Wouldn’t see each other for 20-30 years and it was like we never have been apart. Love you Anje, Louis and family . Our hearts are with you
Charley Benson
Monday, January 20, 2025
I didn’t get to know Dave very long, about a year. I sure liked him and will miss him. Prayers for his wife and children.
Zina Underwood
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I worked with David for 18 years at AEDC and he always had a kind word for everyone. I know he will be missed by family and friends. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Sending prayers for the family.
Dana Heatley
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I worked with David for 30 years with AEDC. He will be missed by his family and friends. May God Bless.
Mitzi Hargan
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with David his entire career at AEDC. We worked many Economic Development projects together. Just when you would think there was no way to make it all work, David would find a way. Arkansas is much better for the efforts he made to increase employment opportunities. One of our last texts was him telling me how happy he was that he and Anje were expecting their first grandchild. I will miss you my friend.
Dana Rogers
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Peggy frost (Mrs jack) I too am a widow now.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I am trying to remember where I knew Dave Nevela from. I worked at union Bank ( now First Security) also Jerry Giffen of Scott’s and Fetzer office in LR. He was a. Nice And funny fellow. I’m almost 88 and my memory is fading. My hhusband and I donated to the Lakota Indian school they held a nice meeting to get to know us in Chamberlin SD . If my Jack was alive he would remember. God bless each of you.
Andrew Pumphrey
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Spend many days with fun and laughter.Andrew Pumphrey
Steve Cheney
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Met Dave at Cardio Rehab in Baptist Hospital. We worked out together every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for a couple of years I guess. Dave had a wonderful personality and was a joy to be around. This is a complete shock to me, he will be missed!!!
Trina Flowers
Sunday, January 19, 2025
We were blessed to get to know David. He was funny and genuinely a wonderful man. Gone but never forgotten. May the Lord wrap his arms around you all. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Cathy Thomas Ramsell
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss of David. My parents Jim & Lillian Thomas were great friends of George & Eula. They had so much fun! When Jim & George passed, Mom & Eula remained best friends. My brother Steve was a classmate of David's. I am sad that no one is left in this family. There are some of us who would like to attend his burial celebration later this year.
Dean Mundhenke
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I knew Dave since Junior High and always thought he was a good person. I wish I could have seen him more often but he would occasionally stop by after college on his way back to South Dakota. Always witty and kind. I talked to my friends Martin, Doug is Steve who went to school with Dave also and they also had positive memories and mourned his passing. Rest well old friend.
Kacy Wallen
Sunday, January 19, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dawn Johnston Jensen
Sunday, January 19, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss. I went to grade school on up with David and he was a super nice guy. Condolences to the family. RIP David.
Craig Walz
Saturday, January 18, 2025
David was also a good football player. That is where I really got to know Dave, as a great teammate. I will miss his humor and wit, also his great grin. He always had a happy, positive attitude. I was blessed to have reconnected many years later as well. Many shared laughs and stories. A great guy!
Tim Danforth