Julia C. Bjornstad

Julia C. Bjornstad, 97, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services Friday.

Julia Christina (Boe) Bjornstad was born in rural Langdon, ND to Arne and Victoria (Beckwick) Boe on March 30, 1929. She was the oldest of 7 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 1 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 and were married on August 19, 1950. After Omar passed away on January 1, 2018 at age 90, Julia continued to reside in Walhalla @ 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 and 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 4 children - David (Kathy) Bjornstad Grand Forks, Mark (Erika) Bjornstad Walhalla, Mary Jane (Alan) O’Neil, Grand Forks and Steve (Jane) Bjornstad, 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, brother-in-laws Judd Johnson and Ronald Peterson.

Julia C. Bjornstad, 97, passed away on the morning of September 18th at Woodside Village in Grand Forks. 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.