Lloyd S. Lee

Lloyd Sidney Lee, 78, of Tolna, North Dakota, passed away on August 14, 2025, at the Nelson County Healthcare System–Hospital in McVille, ND, surrounded by love and care.

Born on November 21, 1946, in Devils Lake, ND, Lloyd was the son of Oscar and Lorraine (Thorson) Lee. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of the Tolna American Lutheran Church, where his faith remained a quiet but steady presence throughout his life.

Lloyd grew up in Tolna and graduated from Tolna High School in 1964. He briefly attended Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake—just two weeks, in fact—until the family barn burned down. That event became a legendary family story, especially when someone wanted to get his mother riled up. Lloyd liked to joke that he finished both high school and college before turning 18.

On October 4, 1969, Lloyd married Ginger Olson at the Norway Lutheran Church. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and community. In 1975, they moved to the Lee family farmstead in rural Tolna, where Lloyd embraced his calling as a farmer—grains, dairy cattle, and beef cattle—especially favoring working with the cattle.

Though illness led him to retire from active farming in 2009, Lloyd never stopped being a farmer at heart. In 2011, he and Ginger moved into town, and in 2013, he found joy working for the Jorde family farm. Lloyd’s resilience was remarkable. After suffering his first stroke in August 2023, he faced a series of health battles with grit and determination. Even in his final days, he remained agreeable to exercises and treatments, joking with hospital staff and showing his signature humor and strength.

Lloyd had a gift for conversation and a soft spot for children. He loved visiting with people and was known for his warm presence and quick wit. The family is especially grateful to the compassionate staff at the McVille hospital, who honored Lloyd’s wish to avoid a nursing home and treated him with dignity and kindness.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ginger; daughters Candice Blumhardt of West Fargo, ND, and Chelsey (Chris) Pierce of St. Michael, MN; and his cherished grandson, Brycen Lee Pierce. He is also survived by his brothers David, Dale, and Verne (Cindy); brothers-in-law Ardell Olson, Don Sherwood, and Corey (Kim) Olson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and Godchildren.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Harold Lee; father-in-law Alfred Olson; mother-in-law Eleanor Olson; sisters-in-law Millie Lee and Cheryl Sherwood; niece Erika Gruenberg; and nephew Reece Jorde.

He also treasured his friendships and had a particular fondness for attending auction sales—always on the lookout for a good deal and a good story.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at American Lutheran Church, Tolna, ND, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be at the Tolna Cemetery.