Lloyd Sawyer

Minot

Lloyd Henry Sawyer, longtime resident of Minot, passed away Monday, November 13, 2023, in West Des Moines, IA, at age 96.

Lloyd was born February 13, 1927, to Mary Ericka Erickson and William George Sawyer. He grew up in Crookston, Minnesota, with siblings Robert, Jeanne, Arlyne, and his cousin, Jim Erickson.

Upon graduation from Crookston Central High in 1945, he worked at the U.S. Naval Yard in Bremerton, Washington, as an Electrician Helper on damaged battle ships and aircraft carriers. After World War II, he returned to Crookston and worked as a sales clerk for S&L Stores, then as bookkeeper for Bridgeman Creameries.

In 1948, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Army. He took basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was assigned to the 1st Guided Missile Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas. He rose to Sergeant First Class and was in charge of testing, counseling, and the selection of candidates for Special Army Training Schools. In December 1951, Lloyd was sent to Korea where he was in charge of 39 men at the 105 Howitzer Ammo Dump, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean and UN Service Medals, a Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.

After his honorable discharge in 1952, Lloyd continued his work at S&L Stores, this time in Devils Lake, ND, until 1955 when he accepted employment as an Interviewer for the ND State Employment Service, later known as Job Service ND. He was promoted to Manager at Grafton, then Williston, and finally Minot in 1962. He retired in 1984.

During his 29-year career, Lloyd was Secretary for the ND Job Service Advisory Board, and served in several office positions of the ND chapter of the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security. He served 3 years on Minot High School’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Student Selection Committee for their statewide contests, and gave speeches to Seniors throughout North Dakota on job interviewing skills. His continuing education included classes at Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas; the University of ND; Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD; and Minot State University.

On September 8, 1956, Lloyd married Marie Loyola “Loy” DeVany at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake, sharing life with her for 52 years until Loy died in 2009. Their daughters, Erica and Carol were born in Devils Lake, Ellen in Grafton, and Jane in Williston before the family finally settled in Minot.

He was a Past Director of the Williston Jaycees, served 4 years on the Minot Civil Service Commission, and was a past member of the Minot Mayor’s Committee for the Handicapped, the Vocational Rehabilitation Regional Board, and the Economic Committee of Minot’s Chamber of Commerce.

Lloyd was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), served as photographer and held several offices in the American Legion, was a member of the Elks and served as chairman of the Elks National Foundation for one year.

He belonged to Little Flower Church for 52 years, was a charter member of the first Church Council, a member of the Finance Committee, Secretary of the Holy Name Society for two years, an usher for many years, and a lifetime member of Council 1150 Knights of Columbus.

Lloyd thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf, and won several tournaments including the State American Legion, and 1975 Scratch Champion. At ages 66 and 67, he won the Souris Valley Golf Club Seniors Tournament in 1993 and 1994. He accomplished six holes-in-one over his lifetime, and served as Assistant Golf Coach for one year at Ryan High School. He also bowled in leagues for 40 years, serving as League Secretary and Association President in Devils Lake.

In 2014, Lloyd moved to Ankeny, Iowa, lived with his eldest daughter, and joined Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. In 2021, he relocated to a wonderful and specialized care facility in West Des Moines dedicated to those with dementia.

Lloyd is survived by one sister, Arlyne McCleary, Moorhead MN; daughters Erica Walker, Ankeny IA, Carol Belieu, Martensdale IA, Ellen (Bill) Cox, Yonges Island SC, and Jane Valderrama, Charleston SC; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by both parents, his wife, Loy, one brother, Bob, one sister, Jeanne, his cousin, Jim Erickson, and son-in-law, Tom Walker.

A graveside service, open to the public, will be held at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot on Saturday, December 9th, at 10:30 a.m.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 27, 2023.