Elroy Ordean Brandvold

Elroy Ordean Brandvold, age 80, of Edinburg, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 28, 1945, in Grafton, North Dakota, to parents Edroy and Ann (Rystad) Brandvold, Elroy lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and the community he loved. In 1963, he entered Wahpeton College of Science before being drafted to the United States Army, where he served as a military policeman and earned recognition as a National Defense Service Medal recipient and earned a sharpshooter badge.

On June 20, 1969, he married Vera Olafson at Gardar Lutheran Church. They had four children.

Life on the family farm was spent raising small grains, beef cattle and later dairy cattle. Following his years in agriculture, Elroy spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator.

In retirement Elroy loved to tinker in his garage. He made many bird houses that can be seen around town and enjoyed keeping the yard green and looking good. He was a fan of UND hockey, old TV westerns, gardening, driving the golf cart or Model-A Ford. A favorite activity was keeping an eye on the grandkids activities.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vera Brandvold; son Chad Brandvold (wife Toni) and their daughters Kennedy and Hannah of Wyoming, MN; son Reed Brandvold of Minneapolis, MN; Son Ross Brandvold of Newport Beach, CA; daughter Jana Gudmundson (husband Chad) and their daughter Allison and son Adley of Mountain, ND; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, Edroy and Ann Brandvold; In-laws Johannes and Valgerdur Olafson; sister Mona Jean Harvey (Tom); brother Burvette Brandvold (Gloria); sister Colleen Shanahan (John); sister Audrey Bigwood (Lyle).

Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Edinburg, North Dakota, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 30, 2025.

Elroy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.