Jolene Muscha

Jolene Muscha passed away on August 9, 2023 in Bismarck, ND after a short battle with cancer this summer. Her husband and kids were at her side. She lived an incredible life and was surrounded by love, hugs, and lots of laughter as we told stories at her bedside before she went to be with Jesus. If there was one thing mama loved most, it was to laugh! Especially with her family and friends.

Jolene was born on August 28, 1961 in Bloomington, IL, to Jim and Judy Tilton. She was raised in Fargo, ND, the oldest of four children and graduated from Shanley High school in 1979. She met her husband, Vern, at 21 years old and they were married two years later on June 29, 1985. While raising four kids, they moved all over ND, from Fargo to St. Benedict’s village near Horace and then later on to Kindred. They made a big move to Beulah in 2006 where the youngest three kids graduated from high school. Several years ago, when they opened Soul Haven Studio, they made Bismarck their second home.

Being a mom and Gigi (as her grandkids call her) was her first and biggest priority, but she loved being a professional too! In her years of banking, Mom worked for the FDIC as a bank examiner, operated the Bank of Glen Ullin, served as chair on the NDBA board, and later worked as a financial consultant with Brady Martz during her semi-retirement. She enjoyed each of these unique roles and the incredible coworkers and acquaintances turned lifelong friends she met along the way. These last several years of her journey, she enjoyed helping her daughters run Soul Haven Studio and she and Dad became the expert towel washers.

Mama J always said she lived a life with no regrets and she relied on her strong faith in everything. Married to her favorite stubborn German, raising their kids together, traveling together as a family and with friends, and laughing along the way – she made every moment count! She was always game for an adventure, whether that be a bike ride with Dad, morning donuts and coffee with Mark after his shift, chasing her grandkids around, or girls’ trips with her mom, sister, and daughters. She was vibrant, loved fiercely, and was oh so loved in return. She will be dearly missed.

Jolene is survived by her husband of 38 years, Vern, and their 4 kids and spouses: Kaydie (Allen), Kelly (Jack), Megan (Jesse), and Mark (Dani). She leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Eli, Easton, Emree, Ean, Rhett, Dane, Liam, Madi, and Dylan; her parents: Jim and Judy Tilton; siblings: Brian (Erin), Jeff (Madeleine), and Lisa (Mark); her mother-in-law Lydia Muscha and in-laws Virgil (Theresa), Victor (Janelle), Doug (Kelly), Val, Donna, Harold (Beth), Verna (Greg), Eileen (Jeff), Tom (Jolene), Margie (Cary), Paul (Miranda) numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Paul Muscha.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, August 19 at Church of the Ascension, 1905 S Third St, Bismarck.

Family will greet guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 18 at Church of the Ascension, Bismarck. A vigil service and time for sharing of memories will begin at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mom and Dad would love to support the following foundations:

Bismarck Cancer Center

The Dream Center

Letters of sympathy may be sent to the family at:  1515 Burnt Boat Drive Suite 218, Bismarck, ND 58503.