Corvallis – On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Jackie Bjergo passed away at age 88. Born Jacqueline Joan Jacks in Longview, WA on January 9, 1937, to Clifford and Josephine Jacks, she grew up living in various areas following her dad’s teaching jobs and rebuilding rundown farms.
Growing up, Jackie was active in 4-H and began playing piano in a community church in the 5th grade. She was a good student and assisted her dad training and selling horses. She graduated from Chewelah High School in 1955 and moved to attend University of Montana, on a music scholarship. During her sophomore year, she worked at Western Agriculture Research Center where she met Keith Nordheim. They married and had five children and later divorced.
In 1976, Jackie met her soul mate, Allen, thanks to their good friends, Dave and Jenny Huls. They married in March 1977 and blended eight children into their family which became her primary focus. Once the nest was empty, Allen and Jackie traveled both internationally and to many states. Jackie enjoyed seeing new places, meeting new people and learning the history and culture of each.
In 1989, Jackie returned to the University of Montana where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Art. Always a farmer at heart, she liked caring for animals, gardening, sewing, reading and music. Jackie played both the organ and piano for many years for Grace Lutheran Church.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Allen and one grandson. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Gookin, sons Erik Nordheim, Karl (Christina) Bjergo, and Kyle (Jessica) Nordheim as well as daughters Kristi (Crediton) Ojigho, Karen Linarez, Kelsey (David) Viega, Anne (John) Tafoya and Sunan (David) Laws, 23 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. All loved Jackie very much and enjoyed spending time on the farm in the same Bitter Root land which their parents experienced.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church located at 270 Hattie Lane in Hamilton, MT. Following the service, a Celebration of Jackie’s Life along with lunch will take place. A ceremony at the Corvallis Cemetery where Jackie will be laid to rest with Allen, will follow.
If you would like to honor Jackie, memorials in her name may be made to the Montana Land Reliance or Grace Lutheran Church.
Jackie’s loved ones would like to thank the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and Community Medical Center of Missoula doctors and nurses for their compassion and kind care and treatment.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.