Edward Sjulestad, 86

Goodridge - Edward “Sonny” Sjulestad, 86, of Goodridge, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at his residence. Edward “Sonny” John Sjulestad was born October 13, 1937 in Thief River Falls, son of Gerald and Rose (Eidelbes) Sjulestad. He was raised in Star Township and attended rural school. Sonny farmed with his father and uncles growing up. On November 28, 1959 he was united in marriage to Shirley Rae Hesse of Grygla. To this union five children were born, Greg, Ginger, Jared, Kimberly and Susie. He continued to farm with his brothers Howard, David and brother-in-law Alvin Sunsdahl. Sonny enjoyed hunting, fishing, drinking coffee with family and neighbors, he also enjoyed celebrating with family at gatherings. After retirement he purchased a sawmill and enjoyed processing lumber for family and neighbors. Also, on weekends he had a concession stand, “Sugar Shack” and traveled to local events. In his later years he, Howard and Larry Vigen hauled sugar beets for the Stoltman Farms of Argyle for several years. He was an active member of the Goodridge Lions, better known as the “bacon guy,” receiving his lifetime member award. Sonny is survived by his children, Ginger (Bruce) Mohl of Golden Valley, ND, Jared (Stephanie Hovet) Sjulestad of Thief River Falls, Kimberly Smith of Salt Lake City, UT, and Susie Sjulestad (Marc-Anthony Ortiz) of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Heather, Tasha, Kelsey, Terran, Chandler, Jordan, Nicholas, Brendan, Alexis, Colton, Casandra, Cruzita, Adrian, and Lino; great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Tristan, Evan, Wyatt, Savannah, Coraline, Quinn, Zaine, Isabella, Marcus, Aylani, Kieran, Steven and Olivia. Sonny is also survived by siblings, Yvonne (Richard) Tharaldson, Howard (Karen) Sjulestad, Cheryl (Rodney) Bjerklie, David (Mary Ann) Sjulestad, Joni (Rick) Bjerklie; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Rose; and son, Greg. The funeral for Sonny will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Ekelund Lutheran Church in rural Goodridge, with Reverend Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be held at Star Cemetery in rural Goodridge. Visitation was held on Tuesday at 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2024MY08