Lloyd J. Wallin, 72, died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on April 20, 2024. Lloyd fought a brave battle against a rare form of blood cancer for three years without complaint. His strength is admired and there is comfort and peace in knowing that Lloyd was able to end his courageous fight on his own terms.
Lloyd was born November 21, 1951, to Vern and Ruth (Krick). He was raised in Golden Valley, Minnesota and graduated from Robbinsdale Senior High in 1969. As a young child, Lloyd and the neighborhood kids spent countless hours playing pick-up games of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Lloyd’s favorite team sport was hockey. He joined a hockey league with his childhood friends, and they were given the nickname the “French Connection” for their dominant scoring ability on the line.
He was also an avid hunter and fisherman during his younger years. He would make many trips to his friend’s hunting cabin where a lot of hunting and cards would take place. True to his goal-setting nature, once he was able to shoot a “massive” buck, he considered his accomplishments as a hunter complete and stepped away from hunting.
Lloyd’s passion for golf grew as a teenager when he began working at the Theodore Wirth Golf Course in Minneapolis. This high school job would evolve into a lifetime love of the sport. Most people who think of Lloyd, think of golf. He was an accomplished golfer and participated in many tournaments throughout the years. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in mathematics, Lloyd would go on to help design golf courses and it is what brought him to Spring Valley, the town he called home.
In 1980 Lloyd began his career at the Spring Valley Golf Course. He was instrumental in turning the 9-hole course into an 18-hole course. Lloyd worked primarily behind the scenes with the paperwork and financial aspect of the transition of the course. It has also been said that his calm demeanor and ability to mediate others was an essential part in the success of the golf course. Lloyd would spend many years managing and operating the golf course and restaurant.
Lloyd purchased Bill’s Bar in 1996. He spent nine years owning and operating the bar and spent countless hours behind the bar doing what he loved best – storytelling, making jokes and “talking smart.” During his time at Bill’s Bar, he continued to build lasting friendships in the community.
Bill’s Bar was sold in 2005 and Lloyd was fortunate enough to enjoy an early retirement. He would use his time to pursue his passion of nature photography and take many adventures near and far trying to capture scenery or wildlife. A few of Lloyd’s impressive travel destinations included the Arctic Circle, American Samoa, Alaska, Hawaii, many Canadian destinations, and a visit to every United States National Park. We are lucky to have thousands of pictures from his journeys to look back on.
Lloyd also enjoyed filling his time with strategic puzzles and games, reading, and playing cards (namely cribbage). However, his greatest joy in life came from spending time with his family. His role as grandpa was what brought him the most joy. He spent as much time possible with his grandchildren and rarely missed any of their events. Lloyd absolutely adored the time he shared with them. His grandchildren always loved his silly antics – “knee noogies,” “gooshies,” “toe twisters,” and whatever other nonsensical sayings Lloyd would make up to entertain them. He taught them to love and hate Minnesota sports, and we will forever think of him and give an extra ”Skol” when watching our Minnesota Vikings.
We were lucky to love and be loved by Lloyd. As a family we will miss him beyond measure but take comfort in knowing he is pain free and at peace. Our memories will forever be cherished, and we will continue finding ways to carry him with us. He was truly one of a kind. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Eau Claire Mayo Cancer Center, St. Croix Hospice and Keehr Funeral Home for their love and support during this difficult time.
Survivors include his daughters Andrea Wallin (Chauncey Helgeson), Elizabeth Wallin (Scott Holmes), his beloved grandchildren Natalie, Ethan, and Graham and his special cat Cruella.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Lloyd’s life and share stories and memories will be on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. (keehrfuneralhome.com).
