David Stevens

David Stevens, age 66 of Nashwauk, passed away unexpectedly at his home Thursday, June 26, 2025. He was born April 2, 1959, in Hibbing to Charles and Mildred (Ciganovich) Stevens. Dave attended Nashwauk-Keewatin High School, graduating with the class of 1977, which is where he met his future wife in 11th grade when she was placed as a buffer between him and another classmate. He was very proud of the fact that he was chosen for the 1976 Arrowhead All Conference team in football. After graduation, he was employed briefly by Eveleth Taconite before pursuing his lifelong passion of high performance cars. During this period, he began drag racing at Brainerd International Raceway which transitioned into a business he began in 1989 – Dave Stevens Race Cars. 

Throughout his successful lifelong career, he built cars for customers around the world, as far away as Australia. Many of the cars went on to win NHRA National Events and he was recognized for Best Engineered Awards numerous times as a testament to his unwavering commitment to detail, innovation, craftsmanship, and the safety of each racer. Dave was able to run a primarily one-man business with the help of his son, who he would impart much of his wisdom as they worked side by side over the years. He was a well-known perfectionist, as evidenced by the many racers, who would instantly become lifelong friends, after seeking him out for advice on how to improve their cars’ performance. 

The only thing more important than his work was his wife, kids, and his beagles. He was well known in town for his nightly rides in his van with his howling beagles announcing their presence. 

Dave will be dearly missed by his wife of 45 years, Cindy; children April (Bryan Hanson) Stevens, Chris “Doozer” (Brianna) Stevens, Brooke Stevens; his beloved rescue beagle Mardi; grandkids Chloe, Bryanna, Hunter, and Ollie; grandpets Bogey and Ellie Mae (dogs), Rexy (cat); mother Mildred; siblings Debbie (Ron) Meyer, Barbara Stevens Hudson, Karen (Mike) Perkovich, Bob (Sheila) Stevens; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Charles, sister Mary Ann, mother and father-in-law Ruth and Jack Johnson, brother-in-law Dale Johnson, beagles Sam, Bailey, Bella, and Koko, as well as granddog Cooper. 

In memory of Dave, please give your dogs a hug, bring them for a ride, and give them a treat, specifically a light-colored hot dog. Per Dave’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.