Robert A. Kjelland

Robert A. Kjelland, 81 of Park River, ND died Sunday, June 17, 2012 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND with his wife Mary Ann and son John by his side. Robert Alfred Kjelland was born August 1, 1930 on the family farm in Golden Valley Township, Walsh County, ND, the son of the late Sander and Mabel (Lindell) Kjelland. He attended the Garfield School District #46 and the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River. Robert served in the United States Navy from December of 1951-December of 1955. He returned home and farmed all of his life on the family farm west of Park River, retiring in 1996. Robert was united in marriage to Mary Ann Thielman on June 14, 1958 in Detroit Lakes, MN. He was a life member of the Bosh -Ryba American Legion Post #157 of Lankin, ND and the Grafton V.F.W. Post #9367. He was a very proud and grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) for 39 years. Robert enjoyed going to A.A. meetings, visiting with people, playing with his dog, Polly, taking pictures, reading and watching T.V. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Kjelland, Park River, ND; son John Kjelland, Park River, ND; niece Marlene (Richard) Quanrud, Fargo, ND; nephews: Orville (Sheryl) Kjelland, Park River, ND; James (Marlys) Kjelland, Park River, ND; Keith (Cheri) Kjelland, Drayton, ND. Several great nieces and nephews also survive. Robert was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Stanley and Milton and sister-in-law: Frances Kjelland. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 2:30 P.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Golden Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Park River. Military rites will be provided by the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.