Clayton L. Mjolsness

Clayton L. Mjolsness, 96, formerly of Rochert, MN and Perley, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024, at home in Parkland, FL, with family by his side.

Clayton Leeroy Mjolsness was born December 30, 1927, on the family farm in rural Perley, MN, to Cornelius and Olga (Lee) Mjolsness. He attended Sunnyside Country School in rural Perley, MN, graduating from Borup High School. 

On June 20, 1948, Clayton married Doris Jacobson at Kirkebo Lutheran Church in Perley. They lived in the Perley area working side by side farming and raising their family. Prior to farming full-time, Clayton worked for Crystal Sugar for several beet campaigns early on in their marriage. 

In 1976, Clayton and his family moved to Fargo, ND. In 1981, they moved to Florida residing in the Venice and Zephyrhills area for 10 years. Clayton and Doris purchased lake property in 1956, then made Cotton Lake their permanent home in 1991, where they spent so many happy years and created so many wonderful memories with family and friends. Time spent with family was important to both Clayton and Doris. Saturday nights often consisted of making fudge with his family or whomever wanted to learn his recipe. Clayton was an extremely patient man. He enjoyed reading which allowed him to dive into his interests of old-time cars, or as he put it, “love cars of the 40’s”, to his lifelong interest in aviation. Clayton always wanted to serve his country as a pilot, but a heart defect sidelined him from pursuing that dream. 

Clayton and Doris enjoyed travelling together throughout the US. Long drives in the car brought a sense of peace to Clayton. The two of them especially enjoyed their seven trips to Norway, learning about their family heritage and visiting friends they made throughout the years. Clayton loved visiting over a nice meal or a cup of coffee. He was a great listener and was wise in the advice he gave, always speaking from the heart about patience and forgiveness. Clayton’s faith in the Lord was of utmost importance to him.

Clayton will be remembered and missed by his four children, Christine (Charles) Canning, Fargo, David Mjolsness (Patricia Coulson) of Rochert, MN, Chuck Mjolsness (Mayda Diaz) of Parkland, FL, and Kathryn (Scott) Kallis of Detroit Lakes, MN; six grandchildren, Benjamin (Chelie) Canning, Andrea Canning, Lexis (Bear) Krieg, Courtney (Dustin) Sailer, Emily Stock (Andrew Long), Came Diaz and Jorge Diaz; 7 great- grandchildren, Olivia Canning, Alexander Canning – Worley, Josie Krieg, Adley Krieg, Nash Sailer, Bodie Sailer and Eva Stock; and the grand-pups, “Millie”, “Princess”, “Lola” and “Chanel”.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Doris (2018); twin siblings, Leon & Lucille; one sister, Adeline Monson; great-grandson, Aiden Canning-Worley and stepmother, Mabel Mjolsness. 

Arrangements for Clayton are pending.