Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Clayton Loiland of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025.
He was 81.
He died in Fargo, North Dakota, according to his family.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service
in Thief River Falls.
A celebration of life service will follow at 6:00 p.m.
Rev. Tim Lundeen will officiate.

Early Life
Clayton Matthew Loiland was born on May 25, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls.
His parents were Olaf Loiland and Myrtle Johnson.
He attended school through the ninth grade.
Family members say he then began a life built around steady work.
He spent many years farming.
He also worked at Arctic Cat.
Work and Daily Life
Clayton liked to stay busy, according to his family.
He took on many odd jobs over the years.
Those included straightening buildings and doing steel roofing.
He also tore down and moved buildings.
He did mechanic work.
He raised beef cattle.
He also milked cows.
Loved ones say he was happiest when he had a project to do.
Family
On November 1, 1982, Clayton married Betty Jean (Englund) Zavoral.
The couple built a life together in Thief River Falls.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Betty.
He is also survived by two sons, Mike Loiland and Jeremy (Alison) Loiland, both of Thief River Falls.
He is survived by a daughter, Marion Johnson of Strandquist.
He is also survived by a son, Steve (Jodi) Zavoral of Thief River Falls.
Grandsons include Eli Johnson, Jake Zavoral, Tristan (Cassidy) Loiland, and Aiden Loiland.
He is also survived by a great-grandson, William Loiland.
He is survived by a sister, Joyce Ruud of Isanti.
Survivors also include sisters-in-law Shirley (Clayton) Omlid of Isanti, Karen Loiland of Ortonville, Ila (Englund) Hagen of Gatzke, and Sharon Englund of Warroad.
He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Ken Englund of Thief River Falls, and his special friend, Barb Nomeland.
The family also lists several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceded in Death
Clayton was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Addison Loiland.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Tami Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bruce Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Myrtle.
He was also preceded in death by brothers Julian Loiland and John (Dennis) Loiland.
The family also lists brothers-in-law Galen, Dwayne, Jerry, and Vernie Englund, and a sister-in-law, Pat Loiland.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.








