Thief River Falls – Alan Keith Hyland, age 82, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by loved ones.
Alan was born in Marysville, CA, on September 29, 1943, while his father, Alvin Hyland, was stationed there with the United States Army. During Alvin’s overseas deployment, Alan and his mother, Arlyne (Uglem) Hyland, moved back to the Goodridge area and lived with grandma and grandpa Uglem—a place that would remain close to Alan’s heart throughout his life.
He was baptized at Rosendal Lutheran Church and confirmed at Ekelund Lutheran Church in rural Goodridge. Alan graduated from Goodridge High School in 1961.
After graduation, Alan proudly served in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge in Washington, Alan worked at Boeing, where he never missed a day of work. Later, he returned home and attended Northland Community College in Thief River Falls where he would go on to teach carpentry. Alan founded and operated Ram Construction, leaving a lasting mark on the local building industry.
Alan was united in marriage to Carol Sorg, who was the mother of his two children, Wendy and Keith.
While working in Montana, Alan met the love of his life, Mary Louise Warring. They married on June 29, 1972, and built a warm and welcoming home in Thief River Falls, where they shared 53 wonderful years together.
Alan was a man of many passions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, driving his ATV, camping, woodworking, and playing cards. He and Mary spent many cherished winters in Yuma, Arizona, soaking up the sunshine and making lifelong memories.
Alan was a proud member of American Legion Post 117, Eagles Club, and 40/8 in Thief River Falls.
Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; children, Wendy (Pete Manning) Hyland, Keith Hyland, and Bret (Debbie) Hyland; grandchildren, Peter (Adrienne), Shannon (Cristan), Bryce (Sara), Anthony, Nathaniel (Mary), Stacy (Chris), and Danielle (Vinnie); great-grandchildren, Jasmyne, Selena, Kendal, Taylor, and Yelena; siblings, Arlette Defreece, Aldon (Trudy) Hyland, and Arden (Shelly) Hyland; cousin and best friend, Lynn Anderson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Arlyne Hyland; sister, Audrey (Gary) Bruggeman; brother-in-law, Virgil Defreece; son, Justin Brierly; and many other relatives and friends.
Alan will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his devotion to family, and the quiet strength he carried through life. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.
A celebration of life for Alan will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Steven Dahlen officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior.
Burial will follow at Ekelund Lutheran Cemetery, rural Goodridge.
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