Clarice Hjelle

Clarice Hjelle, 84, of Stephen, MN, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2009 at the North Valley Health Center in Warren, MN.

Clarice Olivia Hjelle was born on Dec. 3, 1924 in Marsh Grove Twp., Marshall County, MN, the daughter of Hjalmer and Hannah Hjelle. She was raised in rural Newfolden, MN where she graduated from high school. Clarice completed her teacher's training in Warren and taught in a rural school for 1A½ years. On June 3, 1944, she married Carl Hjelle at Bethlehem Westaker Church in Newfolden. They made their home in Stephen. Carl died on June 1, 1967. In 1968, Clarice completed her nurses aid training in Warren and, in 1976, she graduated from the Agassiz Valley School of Practical Nursing in Crookston, MN. She worked as a LPN at the Riverview Hospital in Crookston for a short time until going to work at the Warren Hospital for many years. Clarice began her nurses training at the age of 50 and worked until she was 73. She also owned and operated Hjelle Apartments.

She was an active member of her community and church. Clarice was a member of the First Presbyterian Church (United Presbyterian Women, Esther Circle and choir), Monday Study Club (President and other offices), Stephen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 390 (President and other offices), Minnesota Republican Party (Marshall County Chairperson and other offices) and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She was a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, 4-H leader and a Sunday School teacher. Clarice was named Stephen's Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1997.

Clarice was proud of her grandchildren and very supportive of them. She loved their visits, cards, and special drawings /artwork for Grammy. She enjoyed many things including meeting new renters, seeing the first robin of the year, and baking breads and pies. Clarice also enjoyed planning and organizing events, especially programs for Arbor Day, Memorial Day, and Art in the Park. Every day, she lived her faith and shared it with others.

Left to mourn her passing are five children, Carter (Kathy) Hjelle of Bemidji, MN, Landis (Jane) Hjelle of East Grand Forks, MN, Mason (Susan) Hjelle of Mora, MN, Spencer (MaryJo) Hjelle of Virginia, MN and Marla (Brad) Field of Barnesville, MN; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Hilton (Ruby) Hjelle of Warren, MN, Kenneth (Gwen) Hjelle, James (Betty) Hjelle and Clayton (Joan) Hjelle all of Newfolden, MN, Grace Hjelle of Stephen, MN and Linda (Dennis) Walz of Stephen, MN and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two grandsons.

As Clarice wished, her body was donated to the Deeded Body Program at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM on Wednesday morning at the church.
INTERMENT at a later date: Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN.

 Service Information