Dates
Evelyn was born in Durand, Wisconsin on June 16th, 1936, to Ray and Hazel Foster Rathbun. She grew up and was educated in West Allis Wis. After graduating high school in 1954 she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following completion of basic training, she was assigned to Fort Snelling, Minneapolis-St Paul, Minn. She was assigned to personnel as a clerk typist. In 1956 she met Darwin Backlund, also assigned to Ft . Snelling. After a short courtship they were married on April 29, 1957, in St. Paul Minn. The marriage resulted in three sons; Brian Lee, Bruce John, and Christopher Paul. The Air Force life resulted in many assignments: Roswell NM, Phalsborg, France, Spangdahlem, Germany and Limestone, Maine. Upon Darwin’s return from Vietnam in 1970, after a year of service, the family picked up and moved to Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, Tx, Evelyn’s final home. Evelyn worked many years in the base commissary and finished work in civil service as a part of the finance office.
Evelyn’s hobbies were arts and crafts which she excelled at. She entered many of the Stock Show and Rodeo arts and craft categories and received many ribbons along the way.
Her first and foremost love was playing Bingo. She enjoyed the time with other friends wherever she was playing. For a number of the later years, Evelyn and Darwin made numerous trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV where they enjoyed the large bingo halls and playing nickel slots.
Evelyn’s most prized possession was her title of “Grandma”. Keeping track of birthdays and major holidays for 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She shopped all year at various times to get the right gift for all of them. Evelyn’s passing will leave a void in their lives.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her birth parents, Ray and Hazel Foster Rathbun, stepmother Lucille Rathbun, stepsister Valda Parker. Sister Elaine Jimison and son Christopher Paul Backlund.
Evelyn is survived by her husband, Darwin Backlund, sons Brian Backlund and Bruce Backlund of San Angelo, Tx., numerous grandchildren (32), as well as nieces Pamela Grant (Oklahoma) and Dawn Feagan (Georgia).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17th from 5pm to 7pm at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18th at 2pm at Johnson's Funeral Home with Committal Service following after.