Jorja Ann Tank, 70, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2022. She was born on June 5, 1952, to Gordon and Ann Tank. She was raised and educated in Ray, graduating from high school in 1970. She graduated from the Trinity School of Nursing and the University of Mary. Jorja started her 40+ year nursing career in Pediatrics, one of her first true loves, at Bismarck Hospital. She later taught nursing courses at United Tribes and worked for the North Dakota State Health Department for a period of time. In 1989 she transitioned to work in Women’s Surgical Services at St. Alexius Medical Center where she worked until her retirement in 2018. Her career was centered on caring for others and she developed many great lifelong friendships with her colleagues at work.
Jorja spent her days full of hobbies she loved, including antiquing, restoring old furniture, and horseback riding. She loved her two cats, meeting friends for lunch and movies, warm weather and diet coke. Through the years, Jorja enjoyed the annual cattle round up with her family at her father’s ranch. She could be found spending her down time reading, especially if she had a good romance novel available or watching HGTV. She spent the past few years with her sister and best friend, Cheryl, on their beloved family ranch outside of Ray.
Jorja is survived by her siblings, Cheryl Ulven, Ray, ND, Tamara (Dean) Fredrickson, Boise, ID; step siblings, Craig (Ann) Hougen, Kevin (Barb) Hougen, Karen (Gail) Johnson, Karla Zacher, and Betsy (Rivets) Drummer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann; father, Gordon; and stepmother, Margaret.
To honor Jorja, a celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. CDT Friday, August 19 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. Family will meet guests from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. for a time of fellowship.
Burial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20 at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Ray, North Dakota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society (online, by phone, or by mail) or to the Central Dakota Humane Society in Jorja Tank’s memory.
