John D. Eveland, 85, of Waterloo, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born May 30, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, the son of John R. and Janie G. (Sands) Eveland. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1959 and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University in 1963. He married Dianne E. Armstrong on September 5, 1981, in Las Vegas.

John owned and operated the National Cigar Store (established in 1911) which he purchased from his dad in 1966. Additionally, he owned and operated Sycamore Convenience, Hill Street News, and many other businesses in Waterloo. He managed several real estate properties in the area.

He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, a former member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Hudson and Trinity Episcopal Church in Waterloo.

John is survived by his wife, Dianne Eveland of Waterloo; a daughter, Tara (Nick Shields) Eveland of San Diego, CA; two step-children, Teresa (Bert) Strayer of Hudson, and Todd (Abby) Armstrong of San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren, Amanda Strayer, Samuel Strayer, Stela Armstrong, Isaiah Armstrong, Ami (Gabe) Gebremicael, Yvenson Armstrong, Evie Armstrong, and Isabella Armstrong; two great-grandchildren, Yazmyn Armstrong and Aveena Gebremicael; a sister, Susan (Bob) Kerr of Plano, TX; and two nephews, Eric Kerr, and Russell (Sandra) Kerr.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Three things truly underline what John was most passionate about: family, business and community. The man was a legend. Stubborn as they come. Mild mannered, yet a straight talker and very, very particular. A friend to all. More than anything, John loved his family and friends. He enjoyed talking about work and investing. John was an active member of the Jaycees and took their motto to heart, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” He raised over a million dollars for UNI Athletics, over $300,000 for the American Heart Association, and raised funds for the Jerry Lewis telethon and the American Cancer Society. John was also a proud, active member of the Waterloo Elks’ Club. John will be remembered for his relentless work ethic and his drive to help others.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1301 Kimball Ave., with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo; also, for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, 319-233-3146.