Paul William Bjorklund

Paul William Bjorklund, age 92 of St. Peter, formerly of New Sweden passed away Sunday April 7th, 2019 at his home.  Visitation at the St. Peter Funeral Home Friday April 12^th 4:00-7:00.  Funeral Saturday April 13^th 11:00 at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church in Norseland with visitation one hour before.

Paul William Bjorklund was born on November 18, 1926 in New Sweden Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota to Henry and Hazel Bjorklund.  Paul was a life-long member of Scandian Grove Lutheran Church.   He attended grade school at District 6 through eighth grade. Paul then stayed home to help his father on the family farm. Paul served in the Army’s 4025 Signal Corps in the Philippines in 1946 -1947.

On October 24, 1954, he married the love of his life, Lois Wilking, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato.  Together they farmed on the homestead farm in New Sweden Township until 1990 when they moved to St. Peter, Minnesota.  Paul drove truck for 30 years for Green Giant and plowed snow for New Sweden Township. Paul served on many boards including New Sweden Town Clerk for 25 years.  He held office for the Nicollet Co-op, he served as a director for 41years (1970-2011) and  held office as Secretary and President during that time.  Paul was a Director and Secretary of New Sweden Creamery Association for some 20 years. He did custom work and sold Pioneer Seed. He served 6 years as trustee for Scandian Grove Lutheran Church. Paul was a volunteer driver for Nicollet County for many of his retirement years.  Paul enjoyed morning coffee at the local grocery store with many friends, playing cards, shaking dice with friends during coffee, bowling and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.  Paul enjoyed many traveling trips which included visits to his brothers in Washington state, memorable family trips including two Alaskan Cruises and a family trip to Mexico.  Paul enjoyed his trips around the United States with neighbor friends and several trips to Sweden. 

Survived by his wife, Lois,  Four sons Dennis (Patti) of Victoria; Wayne (Theresa) of New Sweden - children, Astyn Kramer (Tony) of Hayfield, Holly Hokenson (Jered) of Watertown, Lincoln of Gaylord and Shannon (special friend Brandon) of Mankato; Dale (Tracie) of New Sweden -children Tera Malyszko (Dan) of Denver, CO,  Jennifer Stenzel (Ben) of Mankato, Joseph of Arlington and Marshall (Kelly) of  New Sweden; Bruce (Lori) of Chaska - children Kendra of St. Paul, Gavin, Carter and Parker, of Chaska; and 2 daughters Barbara O’Connor (Timothy)  of Savage - children Paul and Kyle of Savage; and Amy Stolee (Thomas) of Belle Plaine - Tyler and Allison (fiancée Luke Bristlin) of Belle Plaine.  Great Grandchildren, Tryg and Mills Kramer, Henry, Arthur  and Gretta Hokenson, Rowan Bjorklund, Molly Malyszko, Audra, Madison and Grant Stenzel,  Kroix Bjorklund and Hadlee Bjorklund.  Sisters Marie Budenski of Edina, MN and Ruth (Marlyn) Schroepfer of Belle Vista, AK.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Hazel Bjorklund, Brothers Lawrence, James and Howard Bjorklund. Father and Mother In-Law, Ernest and Edna Wilking of North Mankato.