Michael D. Fjetland

Michael Dan Fjetland, 51, of Harmony, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, as a result of an airplane crash in Los Alamos, N.M.

Michael was born Jan. 5, 1962, in Belmond, Iowa, to Larry and Ruby (Gunsallas) Fjetland. He lived at Corwith, Iowa, before moving with his family to a farm outside of LeRoy in 1974. He graduated from LeRoy-Ostrander High School in 1980. Michael farmed near Harmony from 1980 to present. He also had worked at Hormel in Austin for a few years at the start of his farming career. He had other business interests in Wyoming and Arizona. He married Susan Kay (Phillips) Fjetland on Oct. 3, 1987, and they later divorced. They had two sons, Matthew and Lucas.

His passions were spending time with his sons and flying his planes. He will always be remembered for his famous hugs and his shenanigans. He was an incredible uncle who made sure he spent memorable times with each of his nieces and nephews. He will be extremely missed by all.

He is survived by his sons, Matthew Fjetland of Rochester and Lucas Fjetland of Harmony; parents, Larry and Ruby Fjetland of Edgemont, Ariz.; sisters, Julie Fjetland of Lake City and Lori (Randy) Back of Fountain; nieces and nephews, Nicole (Jason) Howard of Spring Valley, Dustin Thorson (Gena Anway) of Kasson, Tyler Back of Fountain, Trista Back Sioux Falls, S.D., Danielle (Lance) Peters of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Makayla Fjetland of Zumbro Falls; and great-niece and nephew, Ayden and Emma Howard.

Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with Pastors Dennis Timmerman and Laura Fladten leading the service. There will be a luncheon at the church following the service. Burial will be in the spring with a private family ceremony.

Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, is in charge of the arrangements. hindtfuneralhomes.com.