Carol Bjornrud
Carol Jean Schweitzer Bjornrud, born October 14, 1941, in Kenmare, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, North Dakota surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old.
Carol was the daughter of Wilbert and Maffie (Nelson) Schweitzer and grew up in Tolley, North Dakota, alongside her nine siblings. At the age of 15, her family moved to Newfolden, Minnesota, where she graduated from Newfolden High School in 1960. Following high school, Carol pursued cosmetology studies in Thief River Falls.
On January 25, 1963, Carol married Wayne Bjornrud at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Together, they built a loving home and raised two daughters, Sheila and Kristie. Carol worked for many years at Arctic Enterprises, Best Western, and Oakland Park Nursing Home before retiring in 2008.
Carol had a creative spirit and a love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and crafting doll clothes. She found happiness in tending to her flowers and baking treats for her family. Carol cherished time spent playing Yahtzee with her sisters, attending monthly “Golden Girls” luncheons, and embarking on uncharted sister vacations. She especially loved taking her granddaughters to the county fair and being an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Wayne of Thief River Falls; daughter Sheila (Craig Mischel) Bjornrud of Thief River Falls; granddaughters Arianna (Tyler) Vanderlinden of Viking and Kayla Johnson of Freeland, WA; great-grandson Bohdi Vanderlinden of Viking; sisters Alvera Larson, Jeanette Schelling, Janice Aubol, Marlyce Grabanski, and Charlotte (Lowell) Halvorson; brother Gaynard (Sandy) Schweitzer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Kristie (Scott) Anderson; brothers Delvin, Everett, and Leroy; and many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law.
Carol’s warmth and creativity touched the lives of all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she leaves behind.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Alex Amiot officiating. Burial will be held at Bethania Church Cemetery, Rural Newfolden, MN.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
