John William Eveland

John W. Eveland, 94, of Oskaloosa passed away Friday afternoon, February 20, 2015, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Services Serenity House. John William Eveland, son of John Henry and Retha Marie (Robertson) Eveland, was born September 15, 1920, at the rural Oskaloosa home of his parents. He was a 1939 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. October 12, 1942, he entered the U.S. Air Force. He served as a First Lieutenant with the 45th Fighter Squadron and flew single engine P38 and P47 planes in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and did 2 ½ years of Combat patrol at the Hawaiian Islands. After his discharge, May 23, 1946, he returned home to partner with his father on the farm, but continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves. He served in the reserves for 23 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. May 25, 1947, John married the love of his life, Phyllis Mae Parlet in Oskaloosa. They started their life together and remained on the farm where John was born and raised in Jefferson Township. This farm was designated a Heritage Farm in 2006 by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Over the years, John volunteered in many capacities: he was a Jefferson Township Trustee and election official, he served on the Mahaska County Extension Council and was 4H leader for many years. He served on the Mahaska County Conservation Board, and gave of his time and talents to Habitat for Humanity, Share Iowa and the Motor Vehicle Driver’s License Department. Governor Brandstad awarded him two Governor’s Volunteer Awards in 1998 and 2013. John was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a 50 plus year member of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the First Christian Church where he actively volunteered as well. John’s family includes his wife of 67 years, Phyllis of Oskaloosa, his children: John L. (Karen) of Fort Dodge, Larry F. (Dianne) of Cedar Rapids and Connie M. Eveland of West Des Moines; five grandchildren: Brian, Craig, Dustin, Stacie and Kris Eveland; four great grandchildren: Luke, Emily, Ryker and Tesla. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Parlet and brother-in-law: Kenneth Parlet. Funeral Services for John will be held at 10:30, Tuesday morning, February 24, 2015, at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Reverend Mike Omundson of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery with Military Honors by the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Monday at the funeral chapel; the family will be present from 5-7 p.m. to greet visitors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the First Christian Church or MHP Serenity House. PDF Printable Version

John William Eveland

September 15, 1920 - February 20, 2015