Kayleen Njos

Kayleen A. Njos, 79, Bismarck, formerly of Epping passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at her home. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, April 25 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, with a prayer service starting at 6:00, Wednesday, April 24 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. 

Kayleen Ardell Anderson was the second child born to Alvin and Stella Anderson. She joined her older sister, Shirley. She was raised on the family farm north of Epping and attended Stewart School and then graduated from Williston High School. She went to Trinity Nursing School in Minot and led the way for her sisters Alyce and Val to follow her career of nursing. Her brothers Curtis and Bruce completed the Alvin and Stella Anderson family.  

Kay married Orvin Njos in 1965 and bore five children. Their oldest son Timothy died shortly after his birth. They went on to have three more sons, Kalvin in 1967, Danny in 1969 and Michael in 1971. They welcomed their daughter Carla in 1975. Her children were the love of Kay’s life and she would talk about their sports activities and accomplishments at every opportunity. Having three boys close in age meant their mischievous activities were endless but she wouldn’t have traded it for anything. And the frosting on the cake was having her daughter, Carla. Kay and Carla were like sisters and had a bond like no other. 

Kayleen was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She graduated from Trinity School of Nursing in 1966. She began her career in Montana in a hospital where she helped in the Emergency Room, surgery and the Coronary Care unit. She then transitioned to the nursing home where she found her love for geriatrics. The Njos family moved back to North Dakota in 1972 where she worked at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Williston for over 32 years. She also worked for a short time at the Good Samaritan Center in Parshall, North Dakota. Kay loved the residents and reminded others that “you’re not only working as a nurse in a nursing home but you’re also helping provide the residents with a home and that everyone should make it as home-like as possible.” Kay said she knew if she tried hard enough she could “really make a difference in others lives and that is very rewarding.” 

Kay welcomed every grandchild and great grandchild with wonderful anticipation and would talk about them to whoever would listen. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and going to their sporting and other events. 

Kay’s sense of humor and love for life was remarkable. She wore buck teeth or huge sunglasses or used a whoopee cushion just to bring some joy and laughter to those around her. Kay was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Her faith brought her joy and comfort during tough times. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Stella Anderson; her sister, Shirley  and her beloved sons, Danny and Timothy Njos. 

She is survived by her son, Kalvin (Tami) Njos of Helena, Montana and son, Michael Njos of Dickinson, ND; daughter, Carla (Luke) Conner of Helena, Montana as well as her 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. 

Cremation will take place and her ashes will be scattered at the Anderson Family Farm.