Brenda Bjorklund

Brenda A. Bjorklund, 78, formally of West Fargo, ND died on May 28th, 2017 at Farmstead Care, Moorhead, MN.  She was under the loving care of Farmstead staff and Hospice of Red River Valley.

Brenda Ann Bjorklund was born at home in Alexander, ND on January 28th, 1939 to Wilbur (Web) and Princess (Hall) Smith.  Brenda was the first of the four Smith sisters who were raised by Web and Princie in several North Dakota and Montana towns where Web managed the local elevator.  Brenda was known by her childhood nickname, "Bunny" by all that loved her.  She excelled in school, band and chorus while attending Hope High School.  It was in Hope where she met a dashing young man by the name of James Bjorklund who spent his summers in Hope with his Uncle Clyde.

On August 21st, 1960, Brenda and Jim were married in Hope.  After graduating from Valley City State Teacher's College.  Brenda began a career teaching elementary school in Valley City.  In 1961a son, Steven was born and daughter, Sandra, in 1964.

The family moved to Lakota, ND in 1964 where Brenda and Jim began teaching in the Lakota schools.  Brenda taught music to grades K-6 with a gentle hand and a love of music she shared with her students.  Her voice was lovely and she sang at every opportunity.

In 1977, Brenda and Jim began careers in the West Fargo School District.  Brenda took a position as a paraprofessional in the Library at L.E. Berger Middle School.  She always said she enjoyed working with the middle school kids because they needed the most love and direction as they navigated the teen years.  Brenda retired in 2000  and continued to enjoy reading, gardening and visiting her grandsons in Montana. 

Brenda and Jim were inseparable and they loved to travel.  it did not matter if it was a drive to Montana or a trip to the Dairy Queen or the hardware store, they loved to go!  Brenda's last years were clouded by the progression of her Dementia though it never diminished her gentle spirit or kind heart.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James, her mother Princess and her father Web.

She is survived by her children, Steven A. Bjorklund (Gae) of Bozeman, MT and Sandra A. Bjorklund (Kevin Kosena) of Florence, MT.  Sisters Marjorie Stiles (Richard) of Estacada, OR, Betty Jane Edwardson (Gerald) of Casa Grande, AZ and Nancy Goldman (Clifford) of Portland, OR.  Five grandchildren;  Aden Dohn of Missoula, MT, Austin Bjorklund of Bozeman, MT, Samuel Bjorklund of Seattle, WA, Gunnar Bjorklund (Kelsey) of Ogden, UT, and Carter Brady of Bremerton, WA and two great granddaughters, Savanna and Sawyer Bjorklund. 

Bunny will be greatly missed.  In lieu of gifts, the family recommends supporting the research of Alzeheimer's through the Alzheimer's Association of Fargo or donations to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation will be Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6-8 PM with a prayer service at 8 PM at the West Funeral Home, West Fargo.  Funeral service on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Community Presbyterian Church, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Hope Cemetery, Hope, ND on Monday June 5, 2017 at 10:30 AM.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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