Ervin G. Kjelden

Ervin Kjelden was born on September 3, 1920 on the family farm at rural Wolford, North Dakota, the son of Peter and Alphel (Holien) Kjelden. He was reared and educated in the Wolford area attending the Scotch Block School. He worked on his parents farm and at various other jobs in the area. Ervin was united in marriage to Vida Avens and they established their home on a farm in rural Wolford for a short time. In 1944, they moved to the farm east of Devils Lake. This is where Ervin spent his entire life farming and helping to raise their ten children. Vida passed away on December 22, 1974. Ervin was always interested in learning more about farming and attended Adult Farm Management Classes, taught by Carl Roberts, at Lake Region Junior College for many years. Ervin married Alma Nokleby Guffy in 1980 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. They enjoyed music and dancing and spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona and traveling around the United States visiting the children. Ervin served on the South Minnewaukan Township School Board and was also an officer on the South Minnewaukan Township Board for many years. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department, the Elks and Eagles Lodges and the IOOF Lodge. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows). Ervin had many musical talents and in his younger years played the violin, harmonica, organ and guitar. He played his guitar even into his 80’s. The most important part of Ervin’s life was spending time on his farm with his beloved wife, Alma, his family and many friends. Ervin is survived by his wife, Alma of rural Devils Lake Children: Patricia (John) Anderson, Tolna, ND Linda (Leonard) Peters, Devils Lake Douglas (Sandy) Kjelden, Burnsville, MN Garry (Eunice) Kjelden, West Fargo, ND Alfred (Deborah) Kjelden, Forman, ND Bruce (Diane) Kjelden, West Fargo Sandra Stiley, LaSalle, Colorado Coralie (James) Nelson, Jr., Beulah, ND Bonnie (Larry) Klein, Green River, Wyoming Gilbert (Paulette) Kjelden, Devils Lake Step Children: Janice (Don) Onerheim, Devils Lake Shirley (Sheldon) Vincent, also Devils Lake Sharon (Richard) Halvorson, Great Falls, Montana Sylvia (Aaron) Allen, Fergus Falls, MN Gordon (Mary) Guffy, Great Falls, Montana Terry (Isabel) Guffy, Yuma, Arizona Thirty Grandchildren Forty-Six Great Grandchildren Thirteen Step Grandchildren Twenty-Seven Step Great Grandchildren Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vida; one granddaughter; step-son, Jerry Guffy; brothers, Arnold and Palmer Kjelden; sisters, Mrs.Cora (Merle) Horner and Mrs. Ida (George) Lange.