Violet Bjelland, 91, Minot, died Thursday, April 26, 2012, in her home.
Violet L. Hanson was born Dec. 21, 1920, the daughter of Henry O. and Mina (Holen) Hanson, near South Prairie. She was raised on a farm near South Prairie and attended first grade at a South Prairie Country School. She then moved to Sawyer with her family and attended school there. At age 8, Violet's father passed away from pneumonia.
Violet married her true love, Harold "Willie" Bjelland, on Dec. 27, 1940, in Minot. They made their home in Minot, where she and Willie raised their children. She loved being a stay-at-home mother. She was alone for a time during World War II, while Willie served with the U.S. Army and was stationed in England, France and Germany. Violet and Willie's love was the kind that linked two people as one.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Minot, where she was very active in the ladies aid groups. She enjoyed making blankets for people who needed them and made "mountains" of lefse throughout the years. She loved staying active at Zion Lutheran Church and was always happy to volunteer. Violet enjoyed traveling, mostly to and with family. A trip to Norway was a highlight in her life.
She loved playing games with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed laughter.
Violet was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was warm and affectionate, always ready to give a hug, kind word, and a meaningful "I love you."
Her loving family includes: children, Betty Ann Schoenberg, Minot, June Darlene Klaus and her husband, Larry, Aurora, Colo., Marilyn Jane Davis, of Aurora, and Wesley Craig Bjelland and his wife, Debby, Rapid City, S.D.; 17 grandchildren, including stepgrandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Violet was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie; brothers, Morris Hanson, Lloyd Hanson and Floyd Hanson; sisters, Myrtle Granheim, Alpha Cader and Lottie Brusven.
Funeral: Tuesday, May 1, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or to Trinity Hospice.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
