Steven C. Mjelde, 70, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Fertile-Beltrami, MN, passed away at his residence on Monday, March 15, 2021.
He was born on April 24, 1950, in Crookston, MN to Curtis and Dorothy (Grosfield) Mjelde of Beltrami, MN.
Steve attended school at Beltrami Elementary, grades K-8, then consolidated to Fertile-Beltrami High School for grades 9-12, graduating in May of 1968.
He attended Moorhead State University for 1 quarter then enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 1969. He made a career in the USAF for 20 years, retiring honorably in January 1990. Most of his career was spent as an Airborne Radio Operator.
Steve was united in marriage to Susan Kyllander in September 1970, and they were together for 25 years. Two wonderful children were born to them. Nicole Dawn, November 27, 1976, and Eric Steven, June 12, 1980. They all traveled with him to the Netherlands, Hawaii, Germany, Omaha, and Rapid City, SD over the years. The family returned to the Fertile area after Steve’s retirement from the USAF. He worked as a substitute mail carrier and for area farmers.
He leaves behind a daughter, Nicole Rivera, and her daughter, Jadyn Rivera both of Fertile, MN; son, Eric Mjelde (Jessica) and their children, Kyllan, Lydia, and Emmitt of Park Rapids, MN; 3 brothers, Tom (Pat) Mjelde of Lancaster, MN, Joe (Becky) Mjelde of California, and Jim (Julie) Mjelde of Omaha, NE; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Dorothy Mjelde; a nephew; and several aunts and uncles.
Memorial Service with full military rites: 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All must wear a mask to attend.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the funeral home in Fertile.
Inurnment: Fairview Cemetery, Beltrami, MN. (At a later date.)
