David Marshall Bjorklund

With heavy hearts and gratitude for his life we celebrate the life of David (Dave) Bjorklund (1939 to 2026) Dave was born to Del and Florence Bjorklund on October 23rd, 1939 in New Ulm, Mn. He lived his entire childhood in Winthrop MN. with his grandmother, father, mother and two brothers, and two houses away from his future wife, Mary. Dave was very active in high school, he was salutatorian of his graduatiing class, quarterback of the football team, played basketball and golf and was active in the following: chorus, band, modern ensemble, boys quartet, student council, class plays, pep club, saxaphone quartet, German Band, and paper staff. And, of course, he and Mary went to all proms and dances together and were in German band together. During high school Dave was in the army reserve, and after graduation he served his active duty in Missouri and Colorado. After completing his active service and turning down a full football scholarship at North Dakota State University, he enrolled at St. John's University in Collegeville MN. as an English major. He was active in Tri-College program, an honors program between St. John's. St. Ben's and St. Cloud State which wrote theses and were involved in debate. Dave also devoted himself to his first love, music, by touring Europe with the St. John's Chorus, and playing saxaphone with the college jazz band, the Moonmisters. Dave lived off campus for his entire stay so that he could have his car and play professionally with several dance bands. He also increased his yearly credits so that he could graduate in three and a half years in 1961 and he spent lots of time with Mary, who was attending St. Benedict's. He remained dedicated to his Catholic faith and Benedictine values for his entire life. After graduation Dave attended the University of Minnesota doing graduate work in English. Dave and Mary were married in December of 1962. Dave was working at Foley Manufacturing and they lived in Prior Lake until Mary finished her teaching year, when they moved to Coon Rapids. Both of their sons were born during this period, in 1963 and 1965. In March of 1971 they adopted their daughter Catherine. In December of 1965 they moved to 86th St. in Bloomington , where they lived until they moved to 101st St. in 1989 where he lived until his death. Dave worked most of his life in Group Sales Insurance, selling and managing offices. He represented many large entities, including Mayo Clinic, Deluxe check, and many unions. In 1996 he went to work in Mary's law office where he worked until his retirement in 2008. His true calling, however, was music, from childhood until his death. He played all instruments by ear, one time renting a string bass in the morning and playing it at a dance job that night. He played piano and sax in school and sax and accordian professionally every weekend and often during the week for 40 years. He was with the house band at the Camelot in the early years and played 3 nights weekly for his friend Luigi at his restaurant in later years. Dave and Mary traveled extensively during their marriage, making many trips including (but not limited to!) New York City, San Francisco, Seattle,Chicago, Maine, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Vermont, Scottsdale, Marco Island, Florida, California, Tucson, Hawaii, Paris, Venice, Traviso, Sienna, Rome and Florence and London and other cities in England. Dave's greatest love however, was his family. He coached t-ball, the boys played drums professionally with him, and he loved all the family gatherings and holidays with kids and grandkids. The pools at both houses were always full of friends and family, and although Dave didn't swim much, he sure made a great pool boy! He was kind, smart, talented, funny, and much loved. We mourn his loss. Dave passed away suddenly at home on June 23, 2026. Survived by wife of 63 years, Mary Bjorklund, children Robert (Katye) Bjorklund , Joseph (Carolyn) Bjorklund, and Catherine (Brian) Carlson, grandchildren Mary Jane (MJ) (Spencer Herrmann) Bjorklund, Hannah Bjorklund, Sam (Sarah) Bjorklund and Ava Carlson. Brother and sisters-in-law Robert Nierengarten (Nancy), Bart Rosentreter (Elizabeth), Iola Bjorklund and Sheila Bjorklund and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Delbert and Florence Bjorklund, brothers Don Miller, William Bjorklund, John Bjorklund and infant boy Bjorklund. Funeral services on July 28th at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN. Visitation at 10:00, funeral Mass at 11:00, and lunch at church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Pax Christi Catholic Community or St. John's University in Collegeville, Mn.

David Marshall Bjorklund

October 23, 1939 - June 23, 2026

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