Julia C. Bjornstad
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church in Walhalla, N.D., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., for Julia C. Bjornstad, 97, of Walhalla, who passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, N.D.
Julia Christina (Boe) Bjornstad was born in rural Langdon, N.D., to Arne and Victoria (Beckwick) Boe on March 30, 1929. She was the oldest of seven children. She grew up in the rural Langdon area. After graduation from Langdon High School in 1947, Julia attended Valley City State College and shortly thereafter began teaching in a one-room country school. Julia and her family attended Big Pembina Lutheran Church near their home, and this is where she met a humble, young farmer named Omar Bjornstad. Omar and Julia grew up together in the church and began dating. They were married on August 19, 1950. After Omar passed away on January 1, 2018, at age 90, Julia continued to reside in Walhalla at North Border before moving to Woodside Village in Grand Forks in April of 2024.
Julia and Omar spent nearly 70 years together on their farm living a life centered around faith, family, farming and appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. Their farm overlooked the beautiful Pembina Gorge and was a 3rd generation occupancy by family. It was a very quiet and soulful existence nearly 20 miles from the closest town. Julia loved company and having guests in her home; her passion for cooking and baking was evident whenever they were present. Guests at Julia and Omar’s house were never “hungry!”
Omar and Julia were devoted members of the Big Pembina Lutheran Church and felt blessed to be surrounded by the families and friends who also worshipped there.
Julia and Omar were blessed with four children: David (Kathy) Bjornstad of Grand Forks, Mark (Erika) Bjornstad of Walhalla, Mary Jane (Alan) O’Neil of Grand Forks and Steve (Jane) Bjornstad of Walhalla; 12 grandchildren: Kristyn (Jeramy), Kallie (Danny), Kyle (Kim), Jeff (Joshlyn), Travis (Shannon), Rebecca, Joel (Megan), Leigh Ann (Matt), Jackie (Josef), Ellie (Max), Maddie (Chris), Charlie (Shelby); and 26 great-grandchildren. Julia is also survived by siblings: Marie Peterson, Arvid (Sandy) Boe, Ardyce (David) Hennager, Judy (Tom) Waind and John (Karen) Boe. Julia was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Omar, sister Marion, and brother-in-laws Judd Johnson and Ronald Peterson.
Julia passed away on the morning of September 18th with beautiful music comforting her and loved ones present. When the song “I’LL FLY AWAY” began playing, she left to be joyfully reunited in heaven with Omar. True to the song lyrics, “Some bright morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away.”
Julia’s family wishes to thank everyone who stopped to visit her, thought about or prayed for her especially during the last few years. Julia’s family would also like to give a special thank you for the loving care, friendship and kindness given to her during her time at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks. Online guestbook available at www. askewfuneralhome.com.