Clifford F. Hystad, 86, Velva, died Monday, June 29, 2015, in a Minot hospital.

Clifford was born April 17, 1929, in North Prairie Township of McHenry County to Fred and Caroline (Thompson) Hystad. He was raised and educated in North Prairie Township and graduated with the Velva High School Class of 1946.

Clifford worked for area farmers and for a short time in Minnesota, prior to enlisting in the US Navy in 1948. He served during the Korean War and was aboard the USS Missouri (BB63). He was honorably discharged on August 16, 1952.

Clifford was joined in marriage to Leola Knutson on September 20, 1952, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. They lived in Minot and Velva for a short time before settling on a farm in North Prairie Township, where they raised cattle and small grains for the next 54 years. He retired from farming in 1991, but has remained active in the Velva Community over the years. Leola passed away March 13, 2007.

Clifford was a lifetime member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW, both of Velva, the ND Korean Veterans Association, the ND Bull Session Association and the local chapter of Sons of Norway. He served on the North Prairie Township Board, North Prairie Telephone Board, the Farmer's Union Oil Company Board and the South McHenry Soil Conservation Board.

He loved the outdoors, was known to wet a line, bag a few birds and a buck or two. Clifford enjoyed the various sporting events that his children and later grandchildren participated in over the years. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading and was a history buff. He loved his annual fishing trips to Canada with friends and neighbors. Woodworking became a daily activity with family and friends enjoying the beauty of his craft. Clifford will be missed by all who shared in his life.

C lifford is survived by: his children, Jerry (Jan) Hystad, Helena, MT, DeeDee (Terry) Kraft, Minot and Jim (Rose) Hystad, Velva, ND; grandchildren, Giana and Tom Davidson, Erik and Stephanie Hystad, Bethany and Justin Howard, Steven and Shawn Hystad, Ryan Hystad, Jamey Reiswig (Patty Bergstad), Chance and Amber Kraft, Dillon Kraft, Jennifer and Marty Hildre, and Jake and Genevieve Hystad; great-grandchildren, Kayla Reiswig, Kylie, Reagan and Carson Hildre, Adalee and Desmond Davidson, Piper Hystad, Isabel and Vincent Reiswig and Lia Hystad; great-great-grandson, Eli Johnson; sister, Betty Lindseth, Velva, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Leola, grandson, Craig Hystad, and brothers, Melvin and Brian Hystad.

Funeral Service: Monday, July 6, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.
Interment: North Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, rural Simcoe, ND
Visitation: Sunday, July 5, 2015 from Noon until 5:00p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.