In loving memory of

Paul Bjorkgren
June 12, 1925 - July 6, 2015

Paul Lewis, son of Maurice and Pauline (Erlandson) Bjorkgren, was born June 12, 1925, at Vail, Iowa. He grew up in Vail and attended school there, graduating from Vail High School in 1942. He moved to California with his parents following graduation and worked there until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1943. During World War II Paul took part in the landing at Omaha Beach and for his service he was awarded 5 major battle stars. Paul returned to Iowa after his honorable discharge in 1948. He then attended and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1951. He first taught in Underwood from 1951 to 1955, and then he taught before becoming Superintendent at Charter Oak-Ute from 1955 to 1967. He then became Superintendent at Alta High School for 3 years before accepting the Superintendent position at Manning High School for 16 years. After retiring from education he was secretary/treasurer for Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa for 10 years before retiring in 1996. Paul and Norma (Pieper) were united in marriage on February 8, 1946 in Vail, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Victoria, Keith, and Bradley. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Manning, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517 and American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22. Paul enjoyed golfing in his spare time. He also was an avid sports fan and loved watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. Paul and Norma lived in Manning for 44 years before moving to Denison, Iowa in April of 2015. Paul passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015, at the age of 90 years and 24 days. Preceding Paul in death are his parents, brothers Robert (Lois) Bjorkgren and Arthur (Maryanna) Bjorkgren; brothers-in-law Bill Martin, Ralph Pieper, Roy (Leota) Pieper, Charles Pieper and Lloyd Pieper and sister-in-law Maxine (Edwin) Magill. He is survived by his wife Norma Bjorkgren of Denison, IA; children Vicki (Steve) Shaw of Edgar, NE; Keith (Pat) Bjorkgren of Lakeside, IA and Brad (Michele) Bjorkgren of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren Brent (Sondra) Price, Brittany (Troy) Sidders, Nathan (Heidi) Bjorkgren, Brian (Ashley) Bjorkgren, Beth Bjorkgren, Jacob Bjorkgren and Benjamin Bjorkgren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Marie Martin of Berkley, CA; sisters-in-law Esther Pieper of Vail, IA, Barbara Pieper of Chico, CA and Verna Pieper of Denison, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial Service FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015, 11:30 AM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MANNING, IOWA PASTOR VICKI FISHER, OFFICIANT SHERYL DAMMANN, CO-OFFICIANT Music "I WAS THERE TO HEAR YOUR BORNING CRY" "HYMN OF PROMISE" JOANN KARSTEN, ORGANIST Honorary Urn Bearers PAUL'S GRANDCHILDREN Private Interment with Military Honors VAIL CEMETERY AMERICAN LEGION EMIL EWOLDT POST 22 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 3517

Tributes

Tom & Helen Maloy wrote on Jul 11, 2015:

"Dear Norma, We were saddened to hear about Paul. What a great couple you were. You and your family our in our prayers."

Mark Ellsworth wrote on Jul 10, 2015:

"I had the privilege of working as a volunteer for Paul when he was the executive director of the MIAI. What I admired most about Paul was his combination of wit and a "business-like" approach to dealing with and discharging his work. I feel very honored to have been able to know and work with Paul Bjorkgren. With deepest sympathy, Mark Ellsworth Sheldon, Iowa"

Amy Osborne wrote on Jul 10, 2015:

"My deepest sympathies to Norma and her family. Paul was a wonderful man and I am honored to have known him!!"

Linda Rohe Sporrer wrote on Jul 10, 2015:

"My deepest sympathy to the entire Bjorkgren family in the loss of your wonderful husband, dad and grandpa. Mr. Bjorkgren was my superintendent at Manning who I remember as a very pleasant and fair man. Heaven gained a good one!"

Suzanne Bandow McClelland wrote on Jul 10, 2015:

"Norma, Brad and family... My deepest sympathies to all of you during this difficult times. Mr. Bjorkgren (just can't seem to call him by his first name, Paul :) ) was an awesome neighbor and friend. Manning Community Schools were definitely lucky to have him as an administrator. Love and Prayers to all. Suzanne Bandow"

Ken Beane wrote on Jul 9, 2015:

"Sorry for your loss. He always had a smile on his face."

Kathy (LaBrune) Chebuhar wrote on Jul 9, 2015:

"Norma,Keith,Vicki and Brad, So sorry to hear about Paul. He was a great Dad, nice neighbor and a good guy. I'll always remember his deep voice."

Marcia Maahs Sanchez wrote on Jul 9, 2015:

"I am sorry for your loss. Our family has very fond memories of your family. I was in Keith's grade in Charter Oak."

Terry Butler wrote on Jul 9, 2015:

"Always had a lot of respect for Mr.Bjorkgren and his family."

Keith Wanninger wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"Sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Paul was a great person who wanted what was best for his students. God Bless."

Gene Magill wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"It is with deep regret that I will not be able to attend the memorial service. Growing up it seems like every Sunday we either took the drive to visit Paul and Norma and family or they made the trip to Vail. Paul is a very important part of my memories of home."

Pastor Matt Miller wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"Dear family, May God's grace be amazing to you all. Thank you for calling me at 3:00 a.m. to pray Paul into glory! Rejoice in God's promise that one day we will be re-united. Press on in faith. God bless you all, Pastor Matt Miller, Storm Lake UMC"

Lue Baker wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"My prayers and condolences are with you. Paul was a joy to work with. His sense of humor priceless. He will be greatly missed."

Kent Schlater wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"Very sorry for your loss manning was blessed to have him in the school and the community"

Connie Blum wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"Norma, I so sorry to hear you have lost Paul. Take care of yourself and enjoy the memories. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace now. Conniek"

Connie Blum wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"Norma, I so sorry to hear you have lost Paul. Take care of yourself and enjoy the memories. Take comfort in knowing he is at peace now. Connie"

Melodie (Butler) Robinson wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"All my sympathy to your family. Speaking as a member of the COU Class of 1964, Mr. Bjorkgren has always held a special place in my memories. I know he will be missed."

Marthann Kohl-Fuhs wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"Norma, so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Marthann (overnight shift @ Silveridge)"

The Pieper Family wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"In condolence...thinking of you !! Lloyd, Barbara,Pam, Kirk and Kerri"

Terry Mundt wrote on Jul 7, 2015:

"Norma and Family,My sympathy to You and your Family.Sorry of your loss.Paul will be missed.I enjoyed helping and working with Paul ,on his car repairs.Takecare Norma.L"