Celia Ardella Johnsrud, 83, formerly of Watford City, ND passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo, ND in the presence of family.

Celia was born on November 19, 1933 to Charles and Esther (Anderson) Martin in Rock Lake, ND. She was the 5th of 8 children. She attended school in Rock Lake, ND graduating High School in 1951. She attended Minot State Teachers College for 2 years graduating with a teacher’s certificate in 1953. She moved to Watford City to start her job as a 1st grade teacher. On June 9, 1957 she was united in marriage to Oscar Calvin Johnsrud at Rock Lake, ND. She taught for several years before becoming a full-time homemaker in 1965. She also did some babysitting in their home as well as being a teacher’s aide at the Watford City Elementary School. She had resided in Watford City until 2013 when she moved to Fargo, later moving into Rosewood in 2014.

Celia was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Watford City. She was a Sunday School teacher for many years as well as being very active in a Circle and the quilting group at their church. She was a member of the Home & Hobby Homemaker’s Club as well for many years. She also served as a Blue Bird leader for the Campfire Girls. Her family was the highlight of her life.

She enjoyed working in their yard, gardening, baking and visiting. She also enjoyed cross-stitching on kitchen towels. Her recent hobbies at Rosewood included working on word-finds, playing Bingo and going to Chapel services. Her mild dementia eventually led to her death but she always maintained a good attitude about it and made the best of her situation.

She is survived by her son Bryan (Mary Lou) of Springfield, IL, daughter Susan (Kevin) Mjelstad of Fargo, grandsons Grant (Fiance Taylor Bartelson), Clark and Brock Mjelstad of Fargo, step-granddaughter Marcy (Jason) Edwards of Auburn, IL. She is also survived by sisters Leila Peterson of Rolla, ND, and Pearl Willman of Hagerstown, MD, brothers Milton (Theresa) of Grand Forks, ND, Marvin of Rock Lake, ND, Eugene (Bev) of Kent, WA, and Dennis (Carol) of Hawley, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Preceding her in death are her husband, parents, and one sister, Laila Swenson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Lutheran Church in Watford City, Rosewood on Broadway or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rosewood for their loving care of Celia. She referred to them as her family and openly told all how she loved it there.


Visitation 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Watford City

Funeral Services 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, ND.

Burial will be in Schafer Cemetery in Watford City.