Hjordis Irene Swenson (JoJo), age 107, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 3, 2018 at her home, with family holding her hand.

She was born August 31, 1911 to the late Jacob and Inga Nelson in Hakonshallen, Norway, near Bergen.  She later immigrated through Ellis Isle to North Dakota with her family, in 1922. Where she grew up.

Hjordis was a graduate of Sisters of Mercy Nursing School, Valley City, North Dakota and enjoyed many years of work at Mercy Hospital, prior to retirement in 1972. When she wasn’t caring for others, she was farming alongside her husband Roy and children.

She was a member of Congregational Church of Christ, Valley City, North Dakota and faithfully attended Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach, Florida for the past five years.

Family was very important to Hjordis. Her grandchildren grew up with her and brought her such great joy.  Shannon Martin, Erica Holland, Kelly Swenson, Danae Barrious, Tim Eggert, Nicole Swenson, Danny Swenson, and Roy Swenson.  She will be very missed by each one of them.   One of her greatest blessings was to have met all of her great-grandchildren in the last five years.

Hjordis is survived by daughters, Janelle (Dan) Hawkley and Janet (Richard) Eggert; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Pam Swenson and Vicky Swenson; 3 nieces, Gerrilyn Cargile, Paula Jennings, and Pam Quinday, 7 great nieces and nephews and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.  Each one had a special place in Hjordis’ heart

She was predeceased by husband, Roy Melvin Swenson; brother, Norvald Nelson; sister, Kay Speer; sons Merle Swenson and Terry Swenson; infant grandson Jeremy Swenson, and nephew Ronald Gordon.

A Service was held 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2018 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 6th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 2:00 PM.  She will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Sanborn, ND.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairview Cemetery Association of Sanborn, ND.

Lerud-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting with local arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com