Obituary of Leland Backman

Leland Virgil Backman, 78, of Cambridge passed away on Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Cambridge Health Care Center. He was born August 13, 1929 in Walbo, Springvale Township, Minnesota the fifth child of Victor and Myrtle (Becklin) Backman. He attended the Walbo Country School through the eighth grade and farmed with his father until he entered the United States Army in August 1952. He was honorably discharged in August 1954. After his time in the military Leland worked construction in Minneapolis until his father passed away in 1956, he then returned home to help his mother take care of the farm. Leland ran the farm until his mother entered the nursing home and he went to work at Onan's and retired from there in 1993. Leland enjoyed the people he worked with at Onan's and always looked forward to their reunions. He reminisced about his service days and talked about his Army friends. He never cared much for farming, but liked being in on haying time with others. Leland was very family oriented and enjoyed time with his nieces and nephews. He is survived by four sisters, Lorraine (Mrs. Arnold) Swedeen of Cambridge, Ardis (Mrs. Glen) Swedeen of Cambridge, Vivian (Mrs. Willard) Swanson of Milaca, Gloria (Mrs. Vernon) Cahoon of Cambridge, 14 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends. Leland was preceded in death by his parents, brother Alden Backman, nephews Linden Swedeen and Roy Cahoon.