Lawrence A. Bjornstad, 93

Lawrence A. Bjornstad, age 93, of Red Wing, died Sunday, Dec. 16, at Three Links Reflections Hospice Home in Northfield, Minn.

Larry was born April 20, 1919, in Red Wing, the son of Oscar and Alice (Sather) Bjornstad. He grew up and graduated from high school in Red Wing. After graduation, he attended the University of Northern Iowa where he played on the basketball team. While at college, Larry was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served as a paratrooper. He married Eloise "Sammy" Salmon on Sept. 1, 1950, at Fort Snelling. Larry was employed at the S.B. Foot Tannery for 39 years until his retirement in 1984.

He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, sports, and family gatherings.

Larry is survived by his four children, Ken (Terese) Bjornstad of Red Wing, Karen (David) Finnegan of Farmington, Sandy (Jim) Bjornstad Perkins of Eden Prairie, Gary (Erin) Bjornstad of Bloomington; grandchildren, Katie (Mike) Finnegan Rose, Lindsey (John) Finnegan Schumann, Ryan Finnegan, Jake Bjornstad, Kristin Bjornstad, Sarah (Curtis) Powers, and Andrew Bjornstad; great-grandchildren, Elijah Powers and Rachel Powers; and sister Dora (Bruce) Thompson of Rochester; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Eloise; sisters Phyllis Beverage and Marcella Kempf.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Bob Iverson officiating. Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church.

Funeral arrangements by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Tags: obituaries