Thief River Falls – Clayton Loiland of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Fargo, ND, at the age of 81.
Clayton Matthew Loiland was born on May 25, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, to Olaf Loiland and Myrtle Johnson. Clayton attended school through the ninth grade before embarking on a life rooted in hard work and dedication. He spent his career farming and also worked at Arctic Cat, contributing to both the agricultural and manufacturing communities. Clayton liked to stay busy, so he picked up odd jobs straightening buildings, steel roofing, tearing down buildings, moving buildings, mechanic work, raising beef cattle, and milking cows.
On November 1, 1982, Clayton married Betty Jean (Englund) Zavoral. Together they built a life filled with shared experiences and family.
Clayton is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons, Mike Loiland and Jeremy (Alison) Loiland, both of Thief River Falls; daughter, Marion Johnson of Strandquist; son, Steve (Jodi) Zavoral of Thief River Falls; grandsons, Eli Johnson, Jake Zavoral, Tristan (Cassidy) Loiland, and Aiden Loiland; great-grandson, William Loiland; sister, Joyce Ruud of Isanti; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Clayton) Omlid of Isanti, Karen Loiland of Ortonville, Ila (Englund) Hagen of Gatzke, and Sharon Englund of Warroad; brothers-in-law, Ken Englund (special friend, Barb Nomeland) of Thief River Falls; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Addison Loiland; daughter-in-law, Tami Nelson; son-in-law, Bruce Johnson; parents, Olaf and Myrtle; brothers, Julian Loiland, John (Dennis) Loiland; brothers-in-law, Galen, Dwayne, Jerry, and Vernie Englund; sister-in-law, Pat Loiland.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Visitation was held from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. A Celebration of Life Service took place at 6 p.m. with Rev. Tim Lundeen officiating.
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