DONIVAN E. WILEMAN

And Jesus said… “I am the resurrection and life; the one who believes in me will live even if he dies”—John 11:25. Donivan Eldon Wileman passed away September 30th 2011 at Park View Health Center in Aneta, North Dakota. Donivan was born on October 1st 1927 on a homestead in Midwest Wyoming to Harry Bill Wileman and Mabel Marie (Walker) Wileman. In 1930 the family moved to Douglas Wyoming, and then in ‘37 the Wileman family settled in Murdo, South Dakota. While herding cattle on horseback, he got the letter from his “friends and countrymen” in 1950. He was drafted in the first round for the Korean conflict to serve in the U.S. Army. After his armored division was finished training, they in turn began training others. Donivan was a drill sergeant from ’50 to ’52. In 1952 after receiving his call to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, he entered Central Bible Institute in Springfield MO. Donivan met and fell in love with (Ruth) Darlyne Albright of Edgemont SD. They wed July 7th 1955 before Donivan finished his schooling in 1956, and was ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God. Donivan and Darlyne began their ministry pastoring Hulett Wyoming 1956-61, followed by Hettinger ND 1961-66, Williston ND 1966-69. Donivan and family spent a year out of the ministry first in Hermiston OR and then Edgemont SD. He then returned to ministry pastoring in Finley ND 1970-81. He was Camp Caretaker for the ND Assemblies of God in 1981. He returned to pastor in Finley August 1981-83. Then pastored Newell SD from 1984-91. Served Teen Challenge in Brookings SD from 1991-93 and retired to Finley in October 1993. Donivan truly loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You would often hear him say “Praise the Lord! And if things aren’t going your way…..Praise the Lord anyhow!” His good nature continued into old age and even when the Alzheimer’s had taken much of his mind the words “God Bless You” would flow from the nature of the Holy Spirit living in him. Donivan is survived by his wife of 56 years Darlyne; his brothers Dale, Russell and Daryl; his sisters Bonnie Phillips, and Wynona McCurdy; four sons: David (Jody) - West Fargo, Duane (Janis) - Neche ND, Dennis (Ruth) - Fargo ND, Dan (Joan) -Brainerd MN, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Donivan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Boyd. Visitation will be held at the Finley Assembly of God church from 5 ‘til 7 on Monday October 3th. The funeral will be held Tuesday October 4th at 2pm at the Finley Assembly of God church. Interment will be at the Finley cemetery.