Sheldon Loftsgard

Sheldon O. Loftsgard, age 93, died January 26, 2025 at his home in Bismarck, ND, with his wife by his side.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Feb. 1, at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 E Ave D, Bismarck. Family will begin greeting guests one hour prior to the service. To view the service livestream, click this link Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck North Dakota - YouTube 

Sheldon was born to Sidney and Olga (Brubakken) Loftsgard on November 17, 1931 in Grafton, ND. He was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage. After the untimely death of his father in 1932 he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Bessie and A.N. Midgarden on their farm near Hoople, ND, while his mother attended college to obtain her teaching degree. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1949.

Sheldon was first married to Luella Orsund, and together they raised six children. He later married Lucia Todd. On February 25, 1983, he married Mary Stoller McCombs.

Sheldon was a proud Korean War veteran. At the young age of 16 he joined the ND National Guard and served from 1947-1950. This was followed by service in the US Air Force from 1950-1959. He spent time in several foreign countries, including Korea, Japan, and the Philippines as well as in several states. Sheldon was a very patriotic man and spoke often of life lessons learned during his military service.

After his discharge he worked various jobs before finding his true calling as an addiction counselor. He obtained a bachelors degree in addiction counseling from Jamestown College. He worked in numerous treatment facilities in the state and retired as the Director of the Acute Care and Addiction units at West Central Human Service Center in Bismarck. He then went on to provide consulting services to Heartview Foundation and the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Sheldon’s direct, honest and distinctive personality was his trademark in assisting people with their addictions. His knowledge and expertise in the field of alcoholism led to his being published in several journals, including the Journal of Studies on Alcohol. He proudly celebrated 62 years of sobriety.

An avid outdoorsman Sheldon enjoyed fishing and hunting. Sporting goods businesses will be sad to learn of his passing. His hunting dogs were like family, and of course, the cats ruled the house. He enjoyed sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren.

Sheldon was predeceased by his parents Sidney and Olga; aunt and uncle, Bessie and A. N. Midgarden; mother-in-law, Maudie Stoller; sister-in-law, Rose Stoller; brother-in-law, Ron Eggleston; and sons-in-law, Robert Miller and David MacDonald.

Sheldon is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary. All of his children, the greatest pride of his life, survive him, including: Todd (Barbara) Loftsgard, San Diego, CA; Liana Miller, Jamestown, ND; Shelley (Tom) Sharp, Bismarck; Beth Loftsgard, Jamestown; Denise MacDonald, Bismarck; and Peter (Debbie) Loftsgard, Jamestown. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Fedje, Coeur D’Alene, ID and his brother Robert (Laurie) Fedje, Casper, WY. Sheldon also leaves 13 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren as well as many friends.

Memorials may be sent to: Central Dakota Humane Society, Mandan N.D, CHI Hospice, Bismarck, N.D., or a charity of your choice.