Neil H. Hjelmstad, 48, Bismarck, died Nov. 3, 2003, in Bismarck. Services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck, with the Rev. John Kuhn officiating. A vigil service was held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. 

Neil was born Feb. 3, 1955, in Grand Forks, the son of Hilman and Genevieve (Hollarn) Hjelmstad. He was raised in the Grand Forks area. In 1967, Neil moved with his family to Williston, where he graduated from high school in 1973.

He continued his education at the University of North Dakota in Williston. He was employed in construction and lived throughout North Dakota. Later in life, he returned to college and received his degree in graphic arts at Wahpeton.

Neil had an artistic ability that he expressed in wood. He was also known to lend a helping hand to family and friends with projects around the house. Neil had a special relationship with his family, especially his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his mother, Genevieve Hjelmstad, Bismarck; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Richard McConnell, Salt Lake City, and Sari and Michael Pailing, Bismarck; his brother, T. Craig Hjelmstad, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada; and many nephews and nieces.

Neil was preceded in death by his father, Hilman Hjelmstad, who died in 2000; and an infant daughter.