Nola J. Griggs

Nola Jean Griggs, 79, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, March 21, 2022, at Sanford Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Nola was born December 24, 1942, to Noel and Alice (Kellerman) Torgeson in Minneapolis, MN. Nola grew up in rural Leonard, ND, and graduated from Leonard High School. Nola married James Swenson, and they had four children: Lona, Todd, Troy, and Noel. In 1976, Nola moved her family to Delamere, ND, where she purchased a bar and met the love of her life, Dale. She ran Nola’s Place for 4 years with the “willing” help of her children. Nola married Dale Griggs on August 29, 1980. Dale and Nola started over-the-road trucking together and opened a truck repair shop. After retiring from driving, they moved back to the farm. Later they moved to Mesa, AZ, where they did maintenance for a retirement park. Due to health reasons, they moved back to Fargo. Nola’s hobbies included playing cards, gardening and spending time with friends and family. Nola and Dale also collected exotic animals while on the farm, which is why she spoiled their furry friends Bozo, Dufus, Abby and Bowzer. Whether you met Nola’s good or bad side, you’d darn sure remember her. One thing about Nola is she’s certainly memorable. She is survived by children, Lona Flaten (Brian), Clifford, ND, Todd (Dawn) Swenson, Troy (Jennifer) Swenson, Noel (Becky) Swenson, all of Fargo, ND; step-children, Brad Griggs, Milnor, ND, Bobbi Jo Griggs, Lisbon, ND; son-in-law Dale Peterson, Princeton, WI; sister Eileen (Stephen) Lee, Fargo, ND; 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. A special thank you to Eileen Lee, Pastor Sam and Deb Propsom, Gloria and Duane Reistad and Carol Nesemeier. She was preceded in death by husband Dale, her parents, son-in-law Tony Flaten, step-daughter Brenda Peterson and daughter-in-law Elaine Griggs. Visitation: Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at New Hope Lutheran Church, Leonard, ND with memorial service to follow at 1:00 p.m.