FRANKLIN BJORNSON -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANKLIN BJORNSON 1926 - 2011 Peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, November 27, 2011 Franklin passed away at the Arborg Hospital. Remaining to cherish Franklin's memory is his loving wife of 57 years, Runa; his five children Lynn (Julie), Lee (Ross), Raymond (June), Norman (Ivy) and Barry (Therese); grandchildren Carrie (Neale), Chris, Vicki (Jon), Rayma, Rebecca, Stephanie and Ryan, and great-grandchildren Jayden, Cole, Micaiah and Kayley. He is also survived by his sisters Solrun Christiansen and Margaret Tobin; brothers Siggi (Monica) and Donald (Hedy); sisters-in-law Nell Bjornson, Kristin Bjornson, Thordis Reedel, Alda Johnson, and brother-in-law Robert (Maggie) Johnson. Franklin was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Jack, Thor and John; sisters-in-law Sveinbjorg and Mary; brothers-in-law Herb Reedel, Peter Christiansen, Johnny Johnson, Moe Tobin, and his nephew Brant Johnson. Franklin was born on February 4, 1926 on the family farm in Framnes, northwest of Arborg. In 1946, after battling numerous Icelandic River floods, Franklin's family moved to the farm pioneered by his Uncle Bjossi. It was there that Franklin, along with his brother Siggi, planned to take over the family farm, which became Bjornson Brothers Farms in 1958. The farm continued to grow and thrive for more than 50 years, with countless hours of hard work, and many well considered business decisions. In 1954, Franklin married the love of his life Runa. Together they raised their family of five children in a loving and supportive home. In 2006 Franklin began residing at the Arborg Assisted Living. Franklin was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life. He and Runa were accomplished curlers and did not miss a Northern Lights Bonspiel for many years. Through the years, whether at local dances, at neighbours or brothers' and sisters' homes, Franklin loved being surrounded by family and friends. Dad's sisters and brothers would visit often, especially in recent years as they were a very close family. A special thank you to Dad's friends Ben and Jona Borgfjord, Frank and Vera Gergatz, Homecare and all the staff and his friends at the Arborg Assisted Living for your care and compassion in his times of need. Thank you to the Arborg Personal Care Home for all their help keeping Franklin and Runa as close to each other as possible. Thank you to the Doctors and all the staff at the Arborg Hospital and Medical Clinic. A service will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m., at the Ardal - Geysir Lutheran Church, 310 River Road, Arborg, MB, Pastor Bruce Zinken officiating. Interment will follow at the Arborg Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AGLC, Box 160, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0 or Arborg Assisted Living, Box 935, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL - ARBORG (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2011