Howie Albert Bjorklund

Howard “Howie” A. Bjorklund, age 86, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 16, 2014. The youngest of four boys, Howie was born on February 28, 1928, in Duluth, MN to Nels Herman & Marion Bjorklund.

It was in high school, where he met his one and only true love, Gloria Ann Vogt. He married his high school sweetheart on April 8, 1949 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity in Duluth, MN, and spent the next 69 years totally and hopelessly devoted to her. In 1955, his work as a pharmaceutical salesman with Northern Drug/McKesson & Robbins brought them to Fargo, ND, where they made their home and raised their three children. For 38 years, Howie’s “work family” was very special to him and he enjoyed life-long friendships with many of his colleagues and customers. Howie’s quiet faith was also important to him and he truly enjoyed being a First Lutheran “A-Team” usher for 26 years.

First and foremost, Howie was a family man – to him, nothing was more important. Many fun vacations were enjoyed traveling to Duluth to visit family and friends. But the majority of his family time was spent here in Fargo-Moorhead proudly watching his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s many activities. He was their number one fan.

Needless to say, Howie was a huge sports nut….either as a participant or a spectator, he loved it all. In high school, Howie played basketball, hockey and baseball. After graduation, he pursued his dream of being a pro baseball player, playing Triple A baseball with teams affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.

When they recently moved to River Pointe in Moorhead, MN, Howie had fun making friends with many of the other residents and caring staff. They held a special place in his heart.
Howie was full of life and fun….a kind man with a gentle soul; a true caregiver. He and his fun-loving craziness will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Howie was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Gloria; his parents and 3 brothers.

He is survived by his children, Jim (Pat) Bjorklund, Moorhead, MN; Kerry Jo (Jeff) Huguelet, Fargo, ND; and Kathy (Brian) Hovey, Urbandale, IA; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Marc (Danielle) Bjorklund – Blake & Max, Blaine, MN; Janna (Ryan) Kortan – Joe, Olivia, & Drew, Moorhead, MN; Scott (Kate) Bjorklund – expecting soon; Sara (Erick) Galt, Fargo, ND; Josh Huguelet, Fargo, ND; Jayce Hovey, Urbandale, IA; and Jessie Ann Hovey, Urbandale, IA.

Howie is also survived by four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Margaret Bjorklund, Duluth, MN; Richard & Marilyn Baker, Lakewood, CO; Lorrayne Vogt, Jamestown, ND; and Beverly Vogt, Nevada City, CA; and many cherished and loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.