Donald Eveland

Donald Leroy Eveland, age 84, of Backus, Minnesota, went home to be with the Lord May 5, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Eveland; son, Mark Eveland (Prajecta); daughters: Lori (Eveland) Thompson, Sandra (Eveland) Lobban, Kim (Eveland) Mendez (Ernesto), Cindi Eveland, Shari (Eveland) Phillips; stepsons, Sid and Scott Chantland; 22 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Mona (Eveland) Bean; brother, Larry Darby; and 40 nieces and nephews, all of whom were precious to his heart. He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Carol Eveland; his son, John Eveland; brothers: Dwight, John, Gerald, Bert, Earl, Duane, Glen; and sisters: Helen, Betty, Gladys, and Carol.

Donald Leroy Eveland was born June, 7, 1935, to Ray and Flora (Arbogast) Eveland of Backus, Minnesota. He was the twelfth of fourteen children. Donald graduated from Backus High School in 1953, and served in the United States Army Reserves. He spent his younger years building a family, building several businesses and finding his way; moving between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas before moving back and settling down in his hometown of Backus, Minnesota.

Don found his calling in Backus. It was here he taught Sunday School at Mildred Bible Chapel, the church he grew up in, for almost 20 years. He then helped found Pine Mountain Gospel and was Pastor Don for 5 years. Donald was a true man of God and loved preaching and sharing the gospel. He led many of his family and friends to the Lord, and to a greater understanding of God’s Grace.

Don was a dedicated family man and will be greatly missed by all those that knew him. His grandchildren loved him dearly, loved sitting with him, holding his hand and listening to his words of wisdom. For such a hardworking man, he had the biggest softest hands that made you feel safe and loved. We like to think he made everybody feel this way.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2 PM on June 7 at Pine Mountain Gospel, Backus.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6