David Durenberger: “this past Thursday a giant of the amateur sports scene passed away in Hopkins, MN. Although Bob Bjorklund will be missed…”

“this past Thursday a giant of the amateur sports scene passed away in Hopkins, MN. Although Bob Bjorklund will be missed by all, the memory of his many and varied contributions will always remain. Bob was a native of Minneapolis who went on to play football at the University of Minnesota for 3 years, and served as the Golden Gophers cocaptain during their 1940 undefeated National Championship season. After graduation, he played two seasons with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, 1941 and 1946, and served as an assistant football coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, 1948 and 1950, and freshman football coach at the University of Minnesota during the 1951 season. His athletic achievements were temporarily put on hold as Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Away from the gridiron, Bob became involved in the U.S. Olympic Committee and served as fundraising chairman for the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. He attended the Olympic Games wherever they were held. But Bob's interests were not limited to the athletic arena. He had a deep love for politics and served as chairman of the volunteer committee for former U.S. Representative Walter Judd. He was also deeply involved in the community, through his work with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, Goodwill Industries, and the Augsburg fund drive.”