Rynette and family,
I'm so very sorry to learn of your parents' death.  My prayers are with you. What a blessing to have spent Christmas with them. Know that I'm thinking of you and all your family.
Shirley

Arlen, Ranee, Rynette
Sorry to hear about the passing of Arne and Donna.  We were up there in Sept. and tried to visit them in Velva but couldn't wake either of them up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Bruce & Marlys Jerve

What sad news it was when Nancy called to tell us of their deaths.  Hard to believe that they died so close together but they probably would have wanted it that way.  I enjoyed talking to them on the phone often when they first went to assisted living. They would both get on the phone.  Hollis and I plan to drive to Towner for the prayer service on Wednesday night, weather permitting.  Our love to all of you.
Bev Quamme

To the Hjelmstad family;  Many, many years ago when I was an 8th grader, I stayed with your family during the ND Class B Boys Basketball Tournaments that were in Minot.   I am friends with the Olsen Family (Bonnie) of Hillsboro.  It was my first time away from home.  Your family was wonderful to me!  Then Ranee, you moved to New Rockford where I lived with my husband, Michael.  And you were such a kind, kind person and outstanding teacher too!   Life has its way of stopping us and noticing good people….when I saw  the names of Arnie and Donna Hjelmstad in today's Obituaries in the GF Herald, I knew immediately those fine people!   My condolences to your family….your parents were such fine, fine people and good role models to all of us.  
Barb Watson

Arlen,
My condolences to you and your family on the death of your parents. I enjoyed working with Arne while he was a Cenex Rep and as a member of the retirees group. May they rest in peace ... together.  -Connie

Our condolences to the family, I worked with Arne and Marilyn and I enjoyed both Arne and Donna at the retirement meetings and get together May they rest in peace.
Bob and Marilyn Kramer

Ranee and Family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your loved ones.  We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.  Hold your memories close.  Stay strong.
~Scott & Deb Beilke

Arne and Donna were our close friends during the early 60s when we both lived in Forman, ND.  We had three children while Arne and Donna had four. Our friendship started when Donna and Eloyce had Fargo clinic appointments before our daughters Carla and twins Rynette and Renee were born.  Soon, Hjelmsteads had three in diapers and the Kenwards two – many cups of coffee were drunk while folding those lovely cloth diapers.
Once when Jim was out of town, Eloyce called Arne to report that the Kenward furnace had gone out.  Arne came over, looked at the furnace and flipped on the blower switch.  Evidently the children had turned off the switch while playing that afternoon.  However, Arne jokingly accused Eloyce of luring him over to check the furnace while husband Jim was out of town.  We had many laughs over Arne’s version of the story. Our oldest son, Steve, and Arlen were good friends.  They often took a shortcut over an icy slough when walking home.  Arne had warned them to stay away from the slough, but the boys didn’t listen and sure enough Arlen fell into the icy water.  Steve was unable to rescue Arlen so ran to the Cenex station to get Arne who pulled Arlen to safety.
In 1966, when a three day blizzard was heading our way, Jim was driving from Minot to Maddock by way of Towner.  Even though the snow was blowing, he made a brief stop at the Hjelmstead’s in Towner.  When Arne got home that evening, his kids gave him a headline news report, “Jim Kenward was here and the bed broke down”.
Donna and Arne were truly a team.  Both were kind, understanding and stood for what was right.  They worked to make things better without acknowledgement or applause.  We are so sorry for your loss.
Eloyce and Jim Kenward

Arlen, Ranee, and Rynette,
You were so blessed to have parents like Arne and Donna.  They were two of the best people I've ever met and I grieve at your loss.Curt and I were also blessed to have known them for many years.  My deepest sympathy to you. 
Carol Tande   

To the Hjelmstad Family.  I am so sorry to here the passing of your Parents.  I remember Arne loved to do the Pitch Fork Suppers for Cenex Appreciation Day and would always have a little something in the Motorhome for afterwards.  He had a great sense of humor and a mischeivious smile,  My Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time.
wally renfrow

Arlen,Ranee,Rynette
I have many memories of both your parents from the time when our dads worked together. One of my favorites was Arne had a machine that made miniature tires that was supposed to demonstrate the quality of coop tires to the stations as he traveled. One time in Drake I was there and Arne made me my own tire, which I thought was worth a million dollars, I still have it. Both Arne and Donna made a kid feel important , may they rest in peace and may God bless their memory.
Steve Perdue

So sorry to hear that your parents have passed away.  Fred and I always enjoyed their company at CENEX events. They were a wonderful couple in the CENEX family.  May they rest in peace.  
Bette Jane Boeshans