Thomas A. Bjornsen
June 5, 1922 — July 16, 2004
Thomas A. Bjornsen, Sr., 82, a resident of Vinton Lutheran Home, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away quietly in his sleep, Friday, July 16, 2004, at the care center, from complications due to diabetes. There will be no visitation or services. Private Family Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 19, 2004, at Urbana Cemetery, Urbana, by the Rev. Louis Bell. Arrangements with Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his children, Karen Dew of Waterloo, Cheryl (Richard) McKinney of Urbana, Pam Bjornsen of Cedar Rapids, Thomas (Cindy) Bjornsen, Jr., of Marion, Debbie (Rick) Miller of Chewelah, Washington, Mark (Jeri) Bjornsen of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Marshall (Debbie) Bjornsen of Urbana.
Also surviving are 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; and a brother, John.
Tom was born June 5, 1922, the son of August and Bessie Risdon Bjornsen, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. On September 9, 1944, Tom was united in marriage to Doris Tharp. She died in 1987. He worked for Allis Chalmers for many years and retired in 1984 from Harnischfegger in Cedar Rapids, where he was a painter and a forklift driver.
Tom enjoyed the great outdoors, Minnesota, fishing with his good friend Ron Steichen. One of his great enjoyments was making fishing poles for his friends and family. He was an avid reader and knowledgeable in many fields and also a great garage sale enthusiast. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Vinton Lutheran Home for their excellent care and support during Tom?s stay.
Memorials may be directed to the Diabetes Foundation in memory of Tom.
Survivors include his children, Karen Dew of Waterloo, Cheryl (Richard) McKinney of Urbana, Pam Bjornsen of Cedar Rapids, Thomas (Cindy) Bjornsen, Jr., of Marion, Debbie (Rick) Miller of Chewelah, Washington, Mark (Jeri) Bjornsen of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Marshall (Debbie) Bjornsen of Urbana.
Also surviving are 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; and a brother, John.
Tom was born June 5, 1922, the son of August and Bessie Risdon Bjornsen, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. On September 9, 1944, Tom was united in marriage to Doris Tharp. She died in 1987. He worked for Allis Chalmers for many years and retired in 1984 from Harnischfegger in Cedar Rapids, where he was a painter and a forklift driver.
Tom enjoyed the great outdoors, Minnesota, fishing with his good friend Ron Steichen. One of his great enjoyments was making fishing poles for his friends and family. He was an avid reader and knowledgeable in many fields and also a great garage sale enthusiast. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Vinton Lutheran Home for their excellent care and support during Tom?s stay.
Memorials may be directed to the Diabetes Foundation in memory of Tom.
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