Carl Erick Hjalmquist was born on July 27, 1927, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Lars and Mamie Hjalmquist. He was the oldest of four children: David, Eldrid (Ellie), and Lars Jr. Carl grew up in Ironwood, where he played football and tennis in high school. After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy. He later attended the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Following a brief career in broadcasting, Carl began a lifelong career in sales. A persuasive talker, he met his future wife, Joan, at a dance club in Western Springs, IL while she was trying to set him up with one of her friends. Six months later, they were engaged, and on October 17, 1953, he married Joan Lucille Holtz. Together, they raised four children: David, Diane, Debbie, and Doreen.

Carl and Joan took their children on many adventurous camping trips in their Starcraft Camper, visiting many national parks of beautiful “bucket list” places: Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and all over the provinces of Canada, with an annual favorite being the badlands of North Dakota, at Medora. Hiking was a must and they put on the miles in the mountains, and in the car. They enjoyed family campfires at night, ranger lectures, and horseback riding. He made sure his children got to see and do the many things he dreamed of as a child! Carl taught his children at an early age to enjoy the outdoors and to participate in sports. He also taught the importance of family with numerous reunion trips to Ironwood with regular visits to Lake Superior, picnics at Star Lake and skiing at Powderhorn Mountain.

Carl exercised his mind by doing crossword puzzles, 1000 pc puzzles, playing solitaire on his computer, doing lots of word searches, and reading books-history being his favorite.

He was well known for his grilling skills and made the best hamburgers in town! He was a proud Green Bay Packer fan living in Minnesota!

Carl took trips into his 60’s-70’s, hiking in Colorado, skiing in Utah, and golfing in Nevada with both family and friends.

Carl enjoyed his grandchildren immensely; he avidly attended soccer games, football games, track meets, tennis matches, and enjoyed riding bikes together, playing golf or just sitting in his lawn chair and having a good conversation.

As you can see, it was at a young age, Carl was told by his doctor to “stay active” and Carl did just that! Throughout his life he participated in many activities and sports. He rode bikefor hundreds of miles (til he was 93), and was always on a golf course (played til he was 92).

Carl left this world peacefully on June 18th, and was greeted in heaven with open arms by his Lord and Savior, his daughter Debbie, and his son David. He is now teeing up on the 18th hole with his family who reached heaven before him.

Carl, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa will be deeply missed, but forever treasured and loved by his wife Joan, daughters Diane (Wayne Brendemuhl), and Doreen (Jim Peters), and daughter-in-law, Mary Hjalmquist, his grandchildren who he adored, Tara Hjalmquist, Tyler and Joni Hjalmquist (great grandchildren, Griffin and Millie), Dan Brendemuhl, Erik and Alyssa Brendemuhl (great grandchildren, Quintin and Hazel), Adam Brendemuhl (girlfriend Hailey), Matt and Amanda Johnson (great grandchildren, Lee, Rory, Elizabeth, and Nina), Jason and Lauren Peters (great grandchild, Hally Jo), his brother Lars Jr, and all his nieces and nephews, and friends who have blessed his life. A heart filled with gratitude and a very special Thank You to Sheyenne Crossings staff for the loving care they showed Carl every single day! You are family!

Live the Carl-life and stay active, mind, body, and soul! Amen.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 9, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, followed by the memorial service at 2:00 PM, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.