David Bjorkquist

David Carl Bjorkquist passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025 at the age of 92. 

David was born on October 19, 1932 in Braham, Minnesota, and lived with his family in Mora, Minnesota for only a few years before moving to Munising in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan. He had fond memories of living there and returned to visit often. Until recently, he still had a friend in Munising he had known since kindergarten! From there, his family moved to Pocahontas, Iowa where he graduated from high school in 1950. Throughout his life, he faithfully attended reunions with his graduating class. After high school, he attended Luther Junior College in Wahoo, Nebraska where he met the love of his life, Eleanor Simonsen, along with many lifelong friends. They attended "Lutherfest" celebrations for years! After Luther, David attended Iowa State for one year and married Eleanor on June 14, 1953 just prior to his induction into the army. His military career took them to Camp Polk, Louisiana and Camp Riley, Kansas where David worked as a radio operator sending and receiving morse code messages. When discharged, they moved to Ames, Iowa where David completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Industrial Education at Iowa State. He taught high school Industrial Arts in Sac City, Iowa, before pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. He joined the faculty at Penn State then at the University of Missouri-Columbia before moving to Robbinsdale, Minnesota to become a Professor of Industrial & Vocational-Technical Education at the University of Minnesota. His professional interests and activities focused on work and the process of securing employment, including definitions of work, how people gain satisfaction at work, and translating work trends for educators training students in high schools and technical colleges. He served on licensure review, advisory, and accreditation committees at the state, regional, and national level and twice won the Journal of Industrial Teacher Education's Outstanding Conceptual Manuscript award.

 David was a relationship builder. He could talk to anyone and always showed interest in others' stories and experiences. He had a vast knowledge in many areas and could often add something of value to the conversation. He developed and kept friendships throughout his life. These friends were important to him and included people from everywhere he lived, colleagues, students, neighbors, caretakers, and many more. He enjoyed being with people!

 David was a man with diverse interests and talents, but he was a farmer at heart. He loved getting his hands in dirt. He had a large garden at his home in Robbinsdale and he and Eleanor were also part of "The Farm Group (Ecclesia)"--five families who owned a farm near Little Falls, MN. Visits to the farm became an important part of life for the Bjorkquists both before and after David's retirement in 1996. 

David was an avid cyclist. He often rode his bike to work-even when his office moved from the Minneapolis Campus to the St. Paul Campus. He participated in the Ironman Bike Ride for many years. During his last year of cycling, when he was 87, he logged 1500 miles.

 David was also a prolific photographer. He had a dark room in his basement where he developed black and white photos. He entered photos in various exhibits, including the State Fair, and received many ribbons. 

David was a woodworker. He always had a woodshop and thoroughly enjoyed spending time there. He used power as well as hand tools for his creations. In his retirement years, he made many bowls, spoons, butter knives, and sculptures. He was working on a hand-carved pig just before he died. 

After his retirement, David became active in the Robbinsdale community. He joined the Senior Commission and the Heart of Robbinsdale Community Foundation. He had the honor to be in two "Whiz Bang Days" parades. He also became an active member of the Robbin Gallery and participated in many exhibits.

 David was a man of great faith. He not only joined a church wherever he lived but became active. He often took on leadership roles including serving on church councils. Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran became David's church home when he and Eleanor joined in 1971. 

David is preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Eleanor (Simonsen) Bjorkquist; his parents, Herbert and Anna Bjorkquist; his sister, Joanne Nelson; and brother-in-law, Norman Nelson. He is survived by children Anne (Jack), Brenda (Scott), Brian, Daniel, Carol (Scott); grandchildren Chris (Teresa), James, Linnea, Anna (Andrew), Sarah, Laura; great-grandchildren William, Eleanor, Caroline; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

We cannot thank the wonderful people at Covenant Living in Golden Valley enough. They will always have a special place in our hearts for being such an important part of David's life and taking such good care of him these last three years. Thanks, also, to the team at Superior Hospice for guiding us all through David's final months. Both of these groups surrounded him-and us-with love! 

A memorial service will be held on August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church, 5530 42nd Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN with visitation one hour before and a luncheon after. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will happen at a later date. Memorials preferred to Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church, Robbin Gallery, or the NEAR Food Shelf