Larry Elmer Hjelmstad, 81, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025. He was born on August 5, 1943, in Grand Forks, ND, to Elmer and Margaret (Strutz) Hjelmstad and grew up on a farm between Hatton and Reynolds, ND.
Larry graduated from Hatton High School in 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1961 to 1964 in Germany, where he worked on constructing temporary bridges and other infrastructure projects. Later in life he served as the Post Commander for the Hatton American Legion.
On June 5, 1965, Larry married Nora Marie Gronhovd. They raised four children: Pete (Nikki) of Mason City, Iowa; Ken of Mesa, Arizona; Clark (Heather) of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and Adonica Good (Todd) of Wahpeton, North Dakota. He was a proud grandfather to Drew, Casey, Jonathan, Medora, Riley, and Oscar, as well as a great-grandfather to Greyson Torrance.
After his military service, Larry returned to North Dakota, taking over the family farm and working for Gabriel Construction Company, Cenex Fertilizer Plant, and Garden State Bean Plant. Later, he worked as a school bus driver, a role he greatly enjoyed. After retirement, Larry and Marie moved to Wahpeton to be near their grandchildren.
Larry enjoyed fishing, gardening and anything involving his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sports at any level. Some of his fondest memories were made attending the State Class B basketball tournaments. He also enjoyed attending the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers’ Reunion.
He was an active member of Stjordalen Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran churches, serving in leadership roles, leading church school, and as a mentor for confirmation students in Wahpeton.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Margaret; his brother, Frayne Morton; infant brother, Loren Clark; infant grandson, Riley Peter; and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. A visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the Hatton Prairie Village Chapel in Hatton. Memorials may be directed to the Hatton American Legion.
Arrangements made with Bilden-Askew Funeral Home, Northwood, ND.