- Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation - https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com -

Willis “Bill” Bjorklund

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On December 27, 2018 @ 5:07 pm In 2018,Obituaries | 6 Comments

WEB Bill Bjorklund

Willis “Bill” Bjorklund, of Shakopee, formerly of Prior Lake, passed away December 27, 2018 at the age of 92. A funeral service will be Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior, all at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Ave., Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside, and Bill’s grandsons will be pallbearers.

On February 28, 1926, Bill was born in Grasston, MN to parents Axel and Alice Bjorklund. Bill enjoyed his childhood, especially growing up on the family farm. Along with his cousins, Bill was a true “River Rat.” Rather than traveling the long way to town, he would raft across the Snake River.

Following his High School graduation, Bill enlisted in the Army and served during WWII. Upon his discharge, he returned to Minnesota and began working at Butler Brothers in downtown Minneapolis. Around this time, Bill went on a blind date with Ethel Rothe. The two hit it off and were married in Clear Lake, Wisconsin on March 4, 1950. Their marriage had a rocky start—their car, loaded with wedding gifts, broke down on their way home! Despite this, they were blessed with 65 years together.

Always a family man, Bill and Ethel moved to Oregon to be closer to Bill’s siblings. After the birth of their son, the family returned to Minnesota. They settled in Bloomington before moving to a farm outside Prior Lake. A carpenter by trade, Bill worked at Minnesota Valley Cabinets of Savage until the 1970s. He then worked as a custodian at the Prior Lake School until his retirement. While Bill was a hard worker, he always made time to have fun.

Whether it was the polka or waltz, Bill and Ethel could be found on the dance floor! They loved to dance and were joined by their friends and in-laws. Bill and Ethel also traveled throughout America. They took the train to Oregon and countless group trips by bus. Bill loved when his travels involved family—fishing trips to northern Wisconsin or the annual family camp out at Ethel’s family farm. Bill was especially proud of his grandchildren! He enjoyed attending their school events and supporting them.

Bill was a wonderful storyteller, a true family man, and a caring husband. After Ethel’s stroke in 2010, Bill devoted himself to caring for her until her passing in 2015. He has been reunited in Heaven with his wife, Ethel, where they are dancing together again.

He is loved and missed by his son, Bruce (Gloria) Bjorklund; grandchildren, Sony (Andy) Mesenbring, Siera (Andy) Romine, David (Sarah Letto) Bjiorklund, Chad (Mary) Brown; great-grandchildren, Karley, Ava, Brenna, Hailey, Alaina, Vanessa, Mia, Stella, Dacotah, Lincoln; sister, Helen Hanson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Rothe, Violet Rothe, Dee Paasch, Carol (Denny) Paulson, Janet (Dick) Locke.

Bill is also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jill (Brown) Berge; parents; siblings, James (Jean) Bjorklund, Bob (Marguerite) Bjorklund, Ray (Ethel) Bjorklund, Margaret (Ralph); brothers-in-law, Glenn Hanson, Chuck (Virgil) Rothe, Bob Rothe, Earl (Irene) Rothe, Ralph Rothe, Ed Paasch; sister-in-law, Evelyn Rothe.

 

Offer Condolence for the family of Willis “Bill” Bjorklund

Print Obituary & Condolences Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolences for the family of “Willis “Bill” Bjorklund”

Condolence from Barb Gade on December 28th, 2018 3:20 pm

Gloria, my heartfelt sympathy to you, Bruce and family. May your faith in our Lord give you peace and comfort.

Condolence from Jim and Barb Kerns on December 28th, 2018 4:09 pm

Bruce, Gloria, and family. We are so sorry to hear about your father, Bruce. We will not be able to make the service, but know that we will be praying for you and that you have our dearest sympathy.

Condolence from Garret Berge on December 28th, 2018 4:54 pm

I always loved getting to hear the stories Bill had to share. So blessed that I got to have him as part of my extended family!

Condolence from Bruce R. on December 29th, 2018 8:49 am

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. May you find some comfort in the promise found in Revelation 21: 3-4 and 1Thessalonians 4:14. Knowing that there is an opportunity to be reunited with loved ones.

Condolence from Sandy Rothe on January 3rd, 2019 9:38 am

My heart is saddened today. Bill was everything all have said about him. Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with him he was always happy and positive and greeted me with a big smile and “Hello Sandy!”. I can’t be with you all today physically but I certainly am in spirit! May God be with you all and comfort you this day.
Love Sandy Rothe

Condolence from Sandy Rothe on January 3rd, 2019 10:45 am

My heart is saddened today. Bill was everything all have said about him. Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with him he was always happy and positive and greeted me with a big smile and “Hello Sandy!”. I can’t be with you all today physically but I certainly am in spirit! May God be with you all and comfort you this day.

Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/willis-bill-bjorklund/

Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.