Robert H Bjorkman

Robert H. Bjorkman July 14, 1944 - June 4, 2013

Robert (Bob) H. Bjorkman, age 68, of Faribault, died on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 of lung cancer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held at Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault, MN on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. with the Kenyon Veterans Color Guard at post.

Robert, son of Oscar and Ingrid (Dahl) Bjorkman, was born on July 14, 1944 in Eureka, CA. He grew up in Olympia, WA eventually leaving in 1962 to join the Navy, where he continued his education earning his GED. After his service in the Navy, he moved to Minnesota in 1966 where he married Rosalie Odden. Bob and Rosalie had two children, Michael and Christina. He continued his education earning an Associate degree from Minneapolis Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree, both from the University of Minnesota. He married for a second time in 1987 to Marcia Prokopec. He married for a final time in 1997 to Jean (Freeman) Burch. They enjoyed traveling the countryside on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She preceded him in death February 4, 2011.

He was employed many years as a diesel mechanic at Greyhound Bus, Interstate Diesel, Cummins Diesel Sales and Allstate Peterbilt. Bob later worked at Thermo King for 20 years as a technical service instructor, a job that allowed him to travel the world.

Bob was a proud veteran. He began his military service by joining the Navy and serving with the U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces in Vietnam. He participated in six amphibious assault landings and earned several medals while serving aboard the USS Point Defiance ISD-31. Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy in March of 1966. Bob also served in the United States Army Reserve and the Minnesota Air National Guard. He retired from the US Army Reserve in 1995 with 24 years of total service to his country.

Bob joined the VFW in 1966 and has been a life member since 1972. Bob served as

Commander of VFW Post 1562 five times. Bob was elected Department Judge Advocate in June of 2004 and began his progression through department chairs, eventually being named State Commander in 2007.

He is survived by his two children, Mike (Lisa) Bjorkman of St. Paul, and Christina (Chad) Domino of McGregor; Jeannie''s children Shawn, Mike, Trisha, and Pat; and his brother Gunnar Leif (Doreen) Dahl.

Bob was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barb.