Paul Jeffrey Evans

On February 9, 2026, Paul Jeffrey Evans Jr.—known to most as Jeff—made his way to heaven. Jeff will be remembered as a hardworking, generous man who loved the outdoors, and cherished his children. He found joy in hunting, fishing, shooting, and dirt biking, and was known for grilling a perfect steak.

Jeff was born on March 20, 1984, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Kimberly Fraley and Paul Evans Sr. He grew up in rural Minnesota, where he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors.  He spent his childhood surrounded by family, including his younger siblings, Kimberly and Ryan. Some of his fondest memories came from summers spent traveling with his maternal great‑grandparents, James and Ann Diamond, for trap‑shooting competitions. He excelled in the sport and treasured those experiences throughout his life.

Jeff attended Northome school and later Blackduck High School. In May of 2003, he and Emily Floura welcomed their son, Kyle James Evans (23). The couple married and spent time living in both Mississippi and Minnesota. While in Mississippi, Jeff worked for his Uncle Curtis, who taught him to operate heavy machinery. Jeff quickly became a gifted excavator operator.  He took pride in contributing to the rebuilding efforts in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina—an experience that left a lasting impact on him. Jeff was always willing to help others, even when facing challenges of his own.

In 2012, on an adventurous whim, Jeff moved to Washington State where he embraced the chance to build a new chapter in a place that quickly felt like home. In 2014, he married Noelle Podlich, and together they welcomed two children: Colten Stearns Evans (6) and Gemma Ann Evans (3). Jeff treasured the years he spent as a stay‑at‑home dad.  He loved to teach his children his hobbies and love for the outdoors.

In recent years, Jeff was building a new chapter of his life and had returned to equipment operation with respected companies in Wenatchee, WA. His young children looked forward to their time with him, and he delighted in making them feel special. His absence will be felt most profoundly in the moments and milestones he will miss with them. Jeff’s greatest wish was for his children to grow up happy, supported, and loved.

Jeff maintained friendships across every stage of his life and made time for the people he cared about. He also devoted time to studying the Bible and exploring his faith.

Jeff is survived by his children, Kyle, Colten, and Gemma; his mother, Kimberley (Lee) Fraley; grandmothers Marlys Fraley-Hanson; and Delores Jaeger; his father, Paul (Toni) Evans; sister, Kimberly Evans and her children Gracie, Leigha, and Kaison; his brother, Ryan Evans, and his children Keegan, Ava, Noa, Cassius, and Damon; his half sisters Marlo and Amanda; his step brothers Christian Fraley and Dustin Fraley. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will remember him with love.

He was preceded in death with his grandparents, Gary and Ruth Ann Williams, and George and Della Evans.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Saturday, February 28th at Hope-Lutheran Church in Northome.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.