Bernie M. Swang

Bernie M. Swang, 92, Bismarck, died December 23, 2015, at St. Gabriel’s Community in Bismarck. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Allen Wagner officiating. Private burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Bernie was born on November 30, 1923, in Page, ND, the daughter of Martin O. and Sarah Jane (Barnes) Bjorke. After her mother died, leaving three children, ages 5, 3, and 6 weeks, Bernie went to live with her maternal grandmother on the family farm east of Page, ND. After her father remarried, they all moved to Wilton, ND, where Bernie graduated from high school. She then attended Minot State Teacher’s College for a year, which allowed her to teach in rural schools. She taught at Harvey, ND, for three years where she met and married Ralph Swang. They moved to Bismarck in 1947 where she did clerical work for several businesses including Firestone, Smaltz Music Dept., Saks News Agency, First Lutheran Church, and Burleigh County Courts. After retiring, she continued to work for the Courts as a bailiff for jury trials. Bernie was an active member of First Lutheran Church and enjoyed involvement with the music programs, a volunteer for Medora for eleven years, and also a volunteer at the Heritage Center. Bernie is survived by four children, Ralph (Linda) Swang, Jr., Janice (George) Zimmerman, Jerry (Gloria) Swang, and Jane (Jim) Morgan; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Sr.; her parents; two step-mothers; one brother; one sister; and two nieces. Memorials may be given to World Hunger or donor’s choice. (This obituary was written and requested to be used by Bernie). Bernie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the special staff of St. Gabriel’s Community who have so lovingly cared for her.