Evan Eugene Goltl was born April 15, 1939, in Oberlin, Kansas to Fred and Frances (Jussell) Goltl. Evan, 85, of Hill City, Kansas, died October 29, 2024, at Hays Medical Center surrounded by his loving wife and family. He married Judy Long December 7, 1957, in Oberlin. To this union, four daughters were born: Linda Louise, Kelly, Shelly, and Ryann. Evan and Judy were also blessed with nine grandchildren: Allie, Gabriel, Nick, Matt, A.J., Ellie, Audrey, Natalie, and Brodey, as well as two great-granddaughters Ada and Anna.
In his early teens Evan’s love for aviation led him to a job at the Oberlin airport. From the age of 17 he worked as an airplane mechanic, builder, and pilot, learning to become a crop duster, which he continued for the next 50 years. He and Judy moved to Morland, Kansas in 1980 and established Evan’s Aerial Spraying. Later they added ground fertilizer businesses in Hill City and Oberlin, as well as the aerial spraying business in Oberlin owned by his former boss and good friend, Bob Fraker. His friend and fellow pilot, Alex Leslie, flew for Evan for many years during that time. Evan was blessed to have great managers at both fertilizer businesses, Mike Noltimier and Bob Stanley, as well other wonderful employees that he appreciated so much.
Spending time with his family and friends was especially enjoyable for Evan. He had numerous hobbies and interests that he shared with many of them throughout his life. Evan was an avid reader, always up to date on the latest news, politics, and numerous other topics. He enjoyed camping, fishing, guns, rebuilding antique tractors, antique car shows, motorcycles, riding his razor in the desert, BBQ and cook offs, and spending time at his cabin in East Texas near friends and relatives. Evan looked forward to the annual sauerkraut making event with a group of his close friends. He stayed connected with his pilot buddies and enjoyed spending time with or on the phone talking to his beloved brother Lairy.
Evan was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Joseph Parish in Damar. He was known for writing down quotes that had meaning to him and texting the young grandchildren inspirational quotes daily. In his retirement he spent countless hours at his shop, fixing turkeys for local families and ham and beans for the food pantry. He was a loyal visitor to his homebound or hospitalized friends and enjoyed having friends drop by the shop at any time for a visit, many times leaving much later.
Evan loved attending any and all of his grandchildren’s activities that he could. Following major oral cancer surgery and treatment at MD Anderson in Houston Texas, he continued to live life to the fullest, cherishing the next nearly fourteen years with family and friends. Evan was a friend to many and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Evan was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter Linda Louise; parents Fred and Frances; brother Lairy; and sisters Rita and Connie. He is survived by his loving wife Judy of the home; children: Kelly Moore (Monte) Oberlin, Shelly Brussard, Selden, and Ryann Woodall (Bryce) Salina; nine grandchildren: Allie Lohrmeyer (Jake), Gabriel, Nick, Matt, A.J., Ellie, Audrey, Natalie, and Brodey; two great-granddaughters Ada and Anna; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews, many other relatives, and friends.
Visitation with family at Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, Kansas on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. Memorial Service on Saturday, November 9, 2024, 11 a.m., St Joseph Catholic Church, Damar, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be mailed to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas 67642.