Irene Eveland

Irene (Viner) Eveland, 84, formerly of Backus, MN, died Sunday afternoon, January 17, 2016, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, MN, after a long battle with cancer. Irene was born on January 1, 1932, in La Crosse, WI. She was the fourth of ten children born to Ellsworth and Amy Viner. Neighbors took her to church and through her church she was introduced to her Savior and Lord and began her journey into a relationship with Him at 9 years old. She graduated from Central High School in 1949 and attended Northwestern Bible College. In 1954 she married Earl Eveland. This union was blessed with three daughters and one son. While her husband attended seminary in Minneapolis, she was a Surgical Technician at Eitel Hospital.

In 1957 they moved to Hillsboro, ND, where her husband served as pastor at Cummings Evangelical Free Church. In 1966 God called them to the Newfolden, MN, EFC. While living there, Irene volunteered in both the church and the community. She got her nursing degree in 1971 and was a nurse at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls for 22 years. In 1993 she moved with her husband to Backus, MN. Since then, she has working with children's ministries, women's ministries, Christian Women's Club, and Lakes Area Pregnancy Center. She was the deputy clerk for the city of Backus for several years. She also enjoyed working in her flower gardens, entertaining guests, playing games with her family, fishing and watching sporting events. She truly was the hands and feet of Jesus touching people lives.

Irene is survived by her children: Karla (Phil) Saint of Willmar, MN, Cheryl Eveland of Karlstad, MN, Paula Eveland of Little Canada, MN, and Alan Eveland of Centerville, MN; grandsons: Karl Saint of Willmar, MN, Daniel (Katie) Saint with Ezra and Zach of Appleton, WI, and Benjamin (Missy) Saint with Elias of Willmar, MN; brothers: Ellsworth (Marge) Viner, Holmen, WI, Wayne (Joan) Viner, Rochester, MN, Harland (Ruth) Viner, Holmen, WI; sisters: Garnet (Leonard) Fleming, North Fort Meyers, FL, Darlene Lassig, Lacrosse, WI, and Carol (Jan) Whitbeck, Baraboo, WI. Also surviving her are brothers-in law and sisters-in-law: Leslie Viner, Dresbach, MN, Duane (Donna) Eveland, Don (Mary) Eveland, Mona Bean, Backus, MN, Larry (Elizabeth)Darby in Brazil, Sandy Eveland, Backus, MN, Fern Eveland, Pine River, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents; brothers, Eldon, Eugene and Harold Viner; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials will be given to women's and children's ministries.

Services will be 11 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Mildred Bible Chapel, Backus. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Mildred Cemetery.