Loren Alfred Hyland, 82, died with his family by his side on Friday, May 18, 2012.

Loren was born on the family farm in Pleasant Valley Township, Minn. on Jan. 25, 1930, to Emma and Alfred Hyland. He was baptized at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Rockdell, Minn. and later confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minn.

Loren was one of seven siblings growing up on a farm in Grand Meadow, Minn. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948 and was a member of the Austin High School wrestling team that won the 1948 State Wrestling Championship, placing third in his weight class.

During the Korean War from January 1951 to October 1954, Loren served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. He spent his entire career with Hormel Foods from 1948 to 1990 working in numerous departments.

On Dec. 10, 1955, he married Patricia Jean Grundmeier, and they were married for 56 years. Loren and Pat raised their three daughters in Austin. In 1990, Loren and Pat moved to Houston, Texas, where they lived for 10 years before returning home to Austin.

Loren was an avid runner and completed his first marathon in Houston the day before his 63rd birthday. He participated in many competitive races, always placing near the top in his age group. He loved working out, biking and golfing with his many friends and family. Loren was a member of the American Legion, the Elks Club and St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mrs. Robert (Darlene) Earl.

Loren is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Hyland; three daughters, Jodi (Bill) Sorensen, Denver, Colo., Julie (Bob) Jenkins, Houston, Jane Hyland, Minneapolis; granddaughter Haley Sorensen; two sisters, Shirley (Bill) Silver and Diana (Jim) Ludwig; three brothers, Robert, Duane, and Lowell (Norma) Hyland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Home Health Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Todd Portinga, AiM officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery with Austin Post 91 American Legion in charge of military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Olaf Lutheran Church Capital Fund or the Austin Humane Society. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements.