Pastor David A. Iverson

Pastor David A. Iverson of Winnett completed his earthly calling and went on to his heavenly home on September 19, 2022. He was born on February 8, 1932, the second child and eldest son of Andrew and Helen Iverson. When David was very young, his family lived near his grandfather's homestead in the Dovetail area north of Winnett. In 1936, they moved to western Montana to escape the worst of the "Dirty Thirties", but returned to Petroleum County in 1941. At that time, Andrew leased a place on Flatwillow Creek and moved his family there.

David completed his elementary education at Lone Prairie School, a couple of miles from his home, and later graduated from Roundup High School. He received a Bachelor's degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and a few years later, he earned a Master of Biblical Literature degree from Wheaton College near Chicago.

In 1954 he leased the William Arganbright place about five miles from his parents' home and started a band of sheep of his own. That leased property became the base of his present-day ranch. In 1956, David married Ella Dover of Buffalo, Montana. They both became teachers in area schools. David taught math and science in Grass Range and Winnett, and Ella taught in Windham and used her salary to furnish their home and expand their flock of sheep.

David and Ella's first child, Daniel arrived in 1958 and that same year David became an ordained minister. He began pastoring a group of people in Winnett that met in the old school building. In 1960, he designed the First Baptist Church of Winnett, and the congregation helped complete its construction.

With the Winnett church well established, David and Ella wanted to reach even more people with the Gospel message. They built and started a church in Sand Springs in 1962. Their daughter Janelle was born in 1965 and they began holding regular services at the historic Forest Grove Church in 1968. He continued pastoring people at all three churches to the end of his life. He officiated at many weddings, funerals and baptisms over the years. Some area families have continued to request his services for two or even three generations.

He liked nothing more than talking to people about big ideas. In his mind, interesting topics were wide ranging. They might include engineering a water line, leading someone to the Lord, current events, cattle prices, philosophical or theological questions or anything else that mattered to the person with whom he was talking. His faithful service to others left a legacy that will not be forgotten.

He is survived by Ella Iverson, his wife of 66 years; his son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Dixie Iverson; his daughter and son-in-law Janelle and Dave Spainhour; his four siblings: Louise Baldridge, Thomas (Diane) Iverson, Edwin (Paula) Iverson and John (Pat) Iverson; four grandchildren, Delight (Josh) Howley, Davey (Ashley) Iverson, Danny (Marisa) Iverson, and Drew Iverson; along with seven great grandchildren. He experienced immense love, and many hours of joy and laughter with his family and considered himself a man most blessed in this regard.

Viewing and visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Winnett on Friday, October 7th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 8th, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at the Winnett Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at the Winnett School gymnasium on Saturday, October 8th, 12:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Winnett Cemetery Board or Camp Lewtana.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Pastor David's family and friends can share memories and condolences at http://www.creelfuneralhome.com