Savanna Jo Nieman, age 23, Fargo, ND, formerly of Calvin, ND died Friday, June 22 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo from an infection related to leukemia. Savanna, the daughter of Tony and Jayne (Elverud) Nieman was born on May 23, 1984 in Devils Lake, ND.
Savanna attended preschool in Churchs Ferry, ND; elementary and high school at Border Central School in Calvin, graduating valedictorian of her class in 2002. She was involved in nearly every extra-curricular activity with a special love for singing and basketball. Savanna graduated from Bismarck State College in December, 2003 with an A.S. Degree. At Bismarck State she was a member of the Mystics Women’s Basketball team, the Concert Choir, and the Chamber Choir. She worked at Pizza Hut and Walmart. In March of 2004 Savanna moved to Highland Falls, NY to live near her brother at West Point, NY and to attend his Army Football games, as his number one fan. She worked as a Customer Service Representative for Walmart Super Center in Monroe, NY. Savanna returned to North Dakota and moved to Grand Forks in August 2005, attending UND and working for JC Penney and Kimco . August, 2006 Savanna moved to Fargo. She attended NDSU and worked at Walmart until December when she was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Savanna was a member of the Sarles Lutheran Church in Sarles, ND.
Savanna’s bubbling personality with her infectious smile will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her parents, Tony and Jayne, Calvin; brother, 1LT Seth R. Nieman, Baghdad, Iraq; sister-in-law, 2LT Lisa M. Nieman, Ft. Campbell, KY; grandmother, Adeline Elverud, Devils Lake, ND; grandfather, Robert Nieman, Walthill, NE; honorary sister, Bethany Ritterman and special cousin & Godson, Jadyn Badolato, both of Fargo; special “Auntie J”, Julie (Paul) Christenson, Churchs Ferry; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Savanna was preceded in death by grandparents, Harry Elverud and Ruth C. Nieman.
The service to celebrate Savanna’s life will be held outdoors at the Sarles Lutheran Church, Sarles, ND on Wednesday, June 27th at 11 am with Pastor Adrian Olson officiating. Friends may call at the Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND on Tuesday starting at 2 pm with prayer service at 7:30 pm.
