Clifford LeRoy Hatlestad

Clifford LeRoy Hatlestad, 77, of Morris, MN, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, under the outstanding care of Glacial Ridge Hospice.  

Funeral services for Clifford were held Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Morris Evangelical Free Church in Morris, MN, with Pastor Tom Loyola officiating. Visitation was held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in Kongsvinger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Donnelly.

Cliff was born on April 21, 1947 in Morris, MN. He lived on a farm by Herman, MN, where he attended school and met the love of his life, Linda Jipson. On November 6, 1965 he married Linda at the Artichoke Baptist Church. Cliff joined the army in March 1968. During his service, Cliff and Linda spent two years in Germany where they made many incredible memories. In 1973, they were blessed with their daughter Paula. The family lived on the Herman family farm until 1985, when they moved to Morris.

After the service, Cliff worked at the University of Minnesota for 30 years on the grounds crew where he had many cherished friends. Although he sustained a disabling back injury which limited his activity tolerance and abilities, he enjoyed his time working in his flower gardens and tinkering on wood working projects in his shop. He had a green thumb that could be witnessed by anyone driving by the house as his flower gardens and flower pots were always on display. He didn’t like just any flowers; he always wanted the brightest and most vibrant flowers available. Along with his flowers, he also liked carving wood figurines which he would place in his yard. You never knew what the next display would be…from a wooden skunk family, a nativity scene, bird houses, or even the elusive sasquatch (which he would decorate based on the season).  Above all else, Cliff enjoyed spending time with his family.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Linda Hatlestad of Morris; daughter, Paula (John) Wilner of Astor, FL; grandchildren, Paige (Jeromy) Zaeska of Atwater, Payton Wilner of Rice, Damie Vangstad of Brainerd, Alyssa Vangstad of Minneapolis, Pailey Wilner of Grove City; honorary grandchild, Eric Larson of Morris; great granddaughter, Ellie Jo Zaeska of Atwater; honorary great grandson, Josh Larson of Morris; siblings, Elaine Loehr of Morris and Gladys Koonce of Onamia; special friend, Deven Dybdal of Morris.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Leona Hatlestad; sister, Betty Gutzman and brother, Basil (Bud) Hatlestad. Also, brothers-in-law, Milton Loehr, Walter Gutzman, and Jim Koonce; and beloved niece, Patty Loehr.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Cliff. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.pedersenfh.com.