Todd Kjos

Todd Kjos, age 72, of Hitterdal, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND with family by his side.
Todd was born on December 27, 1952, in Moorhead, MN, to Waldo and Darlene (Erickson-Schultz) Kjos. He was the eldest of eight siblings. Growing up on the family farm in rural Hitterdal, Todd learned the values of hard work and community. He graduated from Ulen-Hitterdal High School in 1970 and began his college education at Fergus Falls Community College.
In 1971, Todd joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in Grand Forks, ND, he was united in marriage with Arlene Green on June 15, 1974, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ulen. The couple first made their home in Larimore, ND, before moving to Glyndon, MN, where Todd pursued further education and graduated from Minnesota State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He later obtained his nursing home administration license. Eventually, they returned to the Kjos family farm, where Todd and Arlene raised their daughters and lived ever since.
Todd began his career at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN. He devoted 42 years of hard work, precision, and compassion to Viking Manor before retiring in 2019. Todd's dedication to providing a home for elderly and quality care was his life's work. He was instrumental in advancing projects at Viking Manor, including the development of assisted living facility and apartments.
A dedicated community member, Todd served as a board member for Goose Prairie Township for 40 years and contributed to many local initiatives, including the Clay County Advisory Committee, the Blandin Community Leadership Program, Ulen Civic and Commerce Officer, and the treasurer at Calvary Lutheran Church.
An avid outdoorsman Todd loved hunting and fishing - passions that he passed down through the generations. He also enjoyed woodworking, camping, four wheeling, and the outdoors. Every weekend the family would look forward to going to the lakes whether it was at Buffalo Lake or at Height of Land Lake. He treasured days at Height of Land Lake, where he enjoyed sunsets, fishing, pulling the grandkids tubing, campfires, and simply being together.
Todd's greatest joy in life was his family. He cherished time spent attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities, as well as enjoying his new great-grandson. He instilled life lessons in his family through giving opportunities for learning, growth, understanding, and acceptance of everyone. Todd was known for his sense of humor and finding light in even the darkest moments.
Todd will be remembered for his great sense of humor, life lessons, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.
Todd is survived by his wife of 50 years, Arlene Kjos; daughters: Tamara (Michael) Baehler of Moorhead, MN, Kimberely (Andrew) Ertelt of Brandon, SD, Krista (Joshua) Svobodny of Hitterdal, MN; grandchildren: Austin (Stephanie) Stanfill, Alexis (Michael) Wardlow, Aidan Ertelt, Ashley Ertelt, Kasen Ertelt, Kinzley Svobodny; great-grandson Grayson Stanfill; step-father Gordy Arntson; three sisters: Shirley (Ron) Gwin, LuAnn (Ole) Larson, Lynette (Ross) Wagner; one brother: Mike (Jenny) Kjos; brother-in-law, Vernon Prestegord; sisters-in-law: Melanie Kjos and LouAnn Kjos; and many extended family members including nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Darlene Kjos; his brothers: Jim Kjos and Wayne Kjos; and one sister, Kristi Prestegord; father and mother-in-law, Oscar and Fern Green; brothers-in-law, Oscar Jr. Green and Allen Green; and sister-in-law, Carol Luthi.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN. Following the funeral service lunch will be provided at the Ulen Event Center.
The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to the exceptional care provided by all the doctors, Dr. Harish Ahuja, and ICU staff at Essentia.