David John Evertz Obituary (2007)

Evertz, David died, as he lived, with courage and grace, on October 26. Evertz, an educator, husband, father, friend and published poet was one of the nation’s first kidney transplant patients. He received his first kidney transplant in 1974, in an operation performed by Dr. John Najarian, a doctor he respected and revered. David is survived by his beloved wife, Beth Dorsey and their daughter’s Misha 17. He was enormously proud of both, and moved by his daughter success, both in the classroom and on the soccer field. David also is survived by his mother, Shirley along with sisters Barb Joan, Barb Ellen, Darlene and Judy. Evertz was born August 17 1947. A graduate of Johnson High School in St. Paul, he later earned a B.A. and Masters in Psychology. David became an English teacher at St. Paul’s Central High School and was one of the founding teachers at St. Paul Open School. He then served as Open School’s dissemination director, and later,program coordinator. David recently reflected that he “had spent his whole life working with kids and families.” He touched literally thousands of them in his work as a teacher, program director at Wilder, director of the Eisenminger Clinic and at Northwest Suburban Youth Services. He was a consultant in mental health to a number of school districts. Most recently he directed a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help improve St. Paul Public High Schools.Comments about David include:“David was the most courageous person I ever met.” Kwame McDonald, columnist, Spokesman-Recorder.“David was brave and undaunted when faced with a terminal illness, and unflagging in his mission to promote learning and growth to all our children. He treated everyone who joined him in his mission with gentle grace.” George Latimer, former mayor of St. Paul “David was one of the kindest, most insightful, and passionate educators I have ever known, ALWAYS focusing on what was best for kids.” Anne Carroll, St. Paul School Board “David was a splendid teacher at Open School and remained among the best of humanistic educators throughout every facet of his career.” We enjoyed his poetry and insightful humor. We are all better for knowing him. Joan Sorenson and Wayne Jennings, St. Paul Public School Educators David was relentless and passionate about each youngster’s possibilities. He was creative, diplomatic and determined. Joe Nathan, Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute. A memorial service will be held WEDNESDAY, October 31 at 10:30 A.M. at SHIR TIKVAH, 5000 Girard Avenue in Minneapolis,. A celebration of life will follow at 611 Mt. Curve in St. Paul. Memorials preferred to Wellstone Action, St. Paul JCC,, And Shir Tikvah Congregation.