Arlan Hjelle, 78 of Bagley, MN formerly of Bemidji, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab Center in Bagley, MN.

Military Honors will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN  provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Arlan Ralph Hjelle was born May 6, 1942 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Henry N. and Elsie (Gunderson) Hjelle. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He attended Knox Elementary, Washington Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1960. Arlan was an all-around athlete in high school.  While playing for the Prowlers he earned 10 letters: 2 years in football, 4 years in baseball and 4 years in hockey. He helped his team to 3 state tournament appearances: 1 in baseball and 2 in hockey.  He then attended Bemidji State University for a time before entering service with the United States Army. He was stationed in the states and was Honorably Discharged.

Following military duty, Arlan went to work in the construction industry where he became a Master Taper. He made his home on Lake Plantagenet near Bemidji, MN and continued to work taping throughout his working career. Arlan was a bachelor throughout his life and a quiet man. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing.

He belonged to the Carpenter's Union in Bemidji.

Survivors include his brother, Harold Hjelle of Hudson, WI; nephews, Mark (Susan) Hjelle and Erik (Teri) Hjelle; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister-in-law, Henrietta Hjelle.