John Bjornson, 68, Warroad
John Paul Bjornson of Warroad, Minnesota, passed away of natural causes at Madonna Towers in Rochester, Minnesota, on April 13, 2024. He was born April 17, 1956, to Betty Bjornson, at Olmsted Community Hospital. John grew up in Woodbury with his mother and caretaker, Bea Biershenk. As a boy, he enjoyed the time spent with his grandmother, Ethel Bjornson, in rural Hayfield. He also enjoyed summertime at Lowell Nelson’s farm, where he acquired a keen eye for antiques. He was active in Boy Scouts. John was an excellent student, graduating St. Paul Park High School with honors. He got a scholarship from St. Olaf College in Northfield, and attended there two years.
After his college years, John struck out to northern Minnesota, where he found work as a logger, with a small operation that was still using teams of horses to remove timber from the woods. He fell in love with the north country, and became employed at Hayfield Window and Door, allowing him to buy property up north, where he enrolled in forestry stewardship programs. Eventually John chose to relocate to Warroad, Minnesota, working for Marvin Window Company, which was closer to his property. He had finally fulfilled his dream of living up north.
John was an excellent amateur historian, who specialized in German history. He had a remarkable memory. He would often pass his time reading German and traveling rural Minnesota, seeking out obscure little shops and buying antiques, long before it became popular on television. John’s favorite thing to do each year was to attend the state fair with his mother, Betty, where they always took the sky tram, and enjoyed all the wonderful food there. They also liked taking in Garrison Keillor at the fair. He thought very highly of his friends in Warroad, who were very helpful in his times of need.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Bjornson; uncle, Ardean (Carma) Bjornson; cousins, Emily, Sarah, Aaron and Beth; aunt, Arlene Bjornson; cousins, Kevin and Chris, as well as Kari Keenan, Jenny Johnson, Scott, Ted, and Rodney Bjornson. He was preceded in death by one cousin, Billy Keenan. John was always pleasant and caring. He will be greatly missed by all who encountered him. The family would like to extend special thanks to Madonna Towers and their staff for their excellent care of John Paul.
There will be a private family memorial service at a later date. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.