Thomas Russell Bjorklund

Thomas “Tom” Bjorklund, age 81, passed away peacefully at Personal Care in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, after a difficult two-year journey with COPD, an aneurysm, and dementia. Though his final years were challenging, his life was marked by faith, service, music, laughter, and deep love for family.

Tom was born on September 16, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Josie and Donald Bjorklund. He spent his elementary years in the Como Park neighborhood and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1962. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained as an air traffic controller, served on the Air Force diving team, and spent a year in Vietnam in faithful service to his country.

After his time in the military and work as an air traffic controller, Tom shifted gears and built a career as a mechanical engineer, demonstrating his strong work ethic and ability to master new challenges.

Tom was first married to Sheila Lynn, and together they were blessed with five children: Debbie, Tommy, Rebecca, Robin and Susan.

In 1982, Tom married Diane Gerdin, and together they welcomed David, along with Diane’s children: Cindy, John, and Phillip Kylander. Together, Tom and Diane shared a beautiful, blended family of nine children.

Tom’s legacy continues through his 21 grandchildren (with two grandsons preceding him in death), 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters. His joy multiplied with every new generation.

In 1985, Tom and Diane became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith that became central to his life. Even as dementia progressed, he never lost his testimony. He faithfully served in many callings, including Sunday School teacher, family history worker, and temple worker—roles he cherished deeply.

Tom had a playful spirit and a gift for bringing joy to others. He played guitar for several years in an “old-timers” band and loved gathering for picnics with the Lacy cousins, who affectionately called him “The Godfather.” Some of his happiest memories were made at Lake Hook and the Apple River, where he delighted in hosting his children and grandchildren. Those times of laughter, water, music, and togetherness were treasures he held close.

All who loved Tom will remember his fun, witty ways and the special talent he had for lifting spirits and making others happy. His presence brought warmth, humor, and steadiness to our lives.

Though we grieve his passing, we are grateful for the memories, the faith he modeled, and the enduring love that binds our family together. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Josie Bjorklund; brother, Donald; sister, Pat.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Diane; children, Debbie Bjorklund (Richard), Tommy Bjorklund (Kelly), Rebecca (Scot) Wilson, Susan (Bruce) Allen, David (Chasidy) Bjorklund; step-children, Cindy Kylander-Nelson, John Kylander, Phillip (Danae) Kylander; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.