It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lloyd Leon Hjelden, after his hard fought battle with cancer, on September 4, 2026. He was a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved grandfather. Born on October 30, 1937, in Maddock, North Dakota, Lloyd was the son of Elmer and Isabella (Doyle) Hjelden. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Kellie Elverud, his grandson Matthew Lawrence, and thirteen brothers and sisters, but leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Lloyd is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Patricia Hjelden. Their love story began when Lloyd returned from his military service in France in 1957, leading to their marriage in 1959 in Kalispell, Montana. Together, they built a family that became the center of Lloyd's world. His surviving children include Kathy (Charles) Schwols, Wendy (Pat) Lawrence, Pamela (Rickey) Ross, and Douglas Hjelden. His life was further enriched by his grandchildren: Sarah Schwols, Emily Schwols, Seth (Winona) Schwols, Jessica Hjelden, Patrick (Kerri) Burris, Amie (Kenton) DeMontigny, Josh Elverud, Marcus (Rose) Lawrence, Riley (Amanda) Lawrence, Callie (Kala) Lawrence, Krystal (Shad) Harrison, Amanda (Paul) Lusby, Brianna Archer, and Kami Hjelden, along with 26 great-grandchildren. Lloyd is also survived by his sisters, Barbara (Al) Solberg and Marlene Petri, who will miss his warm presence.

A proud veteran, Lloyd served in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1955 to 1963, with notable service in Germany and France. His passion for learning led him to earn a degree in Architectural Drawing Technology from Lake Region State College in 1972. With a career marked by versatility and dedication, Lloyd worked as an engineer and carpenter, contributing his skills at the Missile Complex in Nekoma and Grand Forks, and at Camp Grafton. His work spanned welding, heavy equipment operation, truck driving, cement finishing, and sheet metal engineering.

Lloyd was a man of many interests and talents. He found joy in singing and playing guitar, spent peaceful afternoons golfing and fishing, and loved the thrill of duck hunting and car races. His craftsmanship shone through in his woodworking, and he cherished the time spent horseback riding.

Lloyd Hjelden's life was a testament to love, dedication, and family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and were touched by his kindness and wisdom. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

A service to honor and celebrate Lloyd's life will take place on September 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Leeds Lutheran Church, located at 250 1st St SE, Leeds, ND 58346.