Walfred “Wally” Alvin Nyland was born, at home, in Becker County to Thomas and Lillian (Harvala) Nyland. Wally earned his GED and enlisted in the United States Army on November 19, 1953. His training began at Fort Riley, KS and continued in Japan and Korea; finishing his tour of duty at Fort Sam Houston in TX. 
Shortly after returning home from the war, Wally moved to Sliver Bay, MN where he worked for the forestry industry he was as a fire watcher in a Tower. Then he worked in the Lab at the iron mines.
Wally moved to Moorhead, MN and started driving truck for Bunny Bread with his route taking him to all the surrounding towns, including Ada. It was in Moorhead that he met Patricia Thompson in a little café. Wally would come in before work to have breakfast, he would order pancakes, because he knew he didn’t like to make them. Then moving on to Minneapolis, MN, Wally managed a Dulono’s Pizza.
On December 16, 1966, Wally married Patricia in Sisseton, SD, and along with Wally’s four children, began their life together. In 1968, Wally and Patricia had 1 daughter of their own. Wally and his family then moved to Fargo, ND. Wally was a field foreman for K & L Construction for nearly 20 years before he retired. In retirement, he became restless and started doing a number of odd jobs here and there to stay busy. Wally lent a helping hand to area farmers and also took up a position at Essentia Health in Ada as the boiler operator, until the age of 87, when he retired for good.
Wally enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, riding on the 4-wheeler with his grandchildren, all MN sports and watching his favorite TV shows; Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. But more than anything, Wally loved being with his family. He was a lifelong member of the VFW and long-time member of the American Legion.
Wally survived by his wife, Patricia, Ada, MN; children, Patty (Terry) Olson, Detroit Lakes, MN, Gloria Grotting, Hawley, MN, Barb (Rory) Nordine, Detroit Lakes, MN, Carey Nyland, Fargo, ND, Tammy Nyland, Ada, and John (Kacey) Nyland, Reynolds, ND, 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 5 siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lillian; and siblings Thelma, Edward, Norman, Viola, and Pearl (Mickie).
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the funeral service at the church.
Graveside Service: 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Pickerel Lake Cemetery, rural Osage, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes of Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
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