Anna Schurman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anna Schurman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and member of the Walhalla community. Anna was 85, she passed Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Anna Klaus was born November 23, 1938, in Dulaves, Croatia to Anton & Helen (Peterfaj) Klaus. Anna was born during the onset of WWII and spent the next years fleeing the Nazi’s with her mother and siblings until the family immigrated to America through the grace of the Catholic Organization in 1952, settling in Los Angeles, CA.

Anna finished High School and moved to Cherry Valley in 1956 where she met the love of her life, Hod Schurman and the two were married in 1958. They started a family soon after marriage in Banning, CA having three children, Erika (Mark) Bjornstad, Hod Jr. (Kristie) Schurman and Bridgette (Steven) Schwartz. She then studied cosmetology and she worked in that field until they moved to Leyden, ND in 1971 and began the family farm. In addition to their three children, Anna and Hod farmed and raised livestock, Anna lived the life of a farm wife, ensuring everyone had full bellies and Hod was always welcomed home from the field. In addition to those two full time jobs, she worked at Thompson’s Bakery and later at Jerry’s Super Value until retirement.

Anna loved being a Mother and Omi. She knitted slippers for her grandchildren and made pillows for anyone that asked. She was dedicated to her faith, praying the rosary daily and attending Mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla regularly. She was well known for her beautiful garden and her magic in the kitchen crafting traditional European dishes. She was incredibly kind with an innocent sense of humor.

Anna will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She was an incredible Omi to 9 grandchildren and to 14 great-grandchildren: Jeff (Joshlyn) Bjornstad and their children Brexten and Karter; Brittany (David) Vaughn and their children Wyatt, Remington, and Hope; Scott (Leslie) Schwartz and their children Sawyer and Cooper; Travis (Shannon) Bjornstad and their children Berit, Gus, and Olin; Rebecca Neumann and her son Rudy; Joshua (Shannon) Schwartz and their son Ardie; Brett (Lexi) Schurman; Brooke (Ashten) McKay and their children Gunner and Harper; and Jesse Schurman.

She is survived by her children & grandchildren, twin sister, Mira (John) Johnston, Wenatchee WA, sister Erika (Jim) Franklin of Ellensburg WA, sister-in-law Terry Klaus of Crystal River, FL; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Hod; her parents, Anton & Helen; and brother, Tony.