Chad Alexander Bjorklund

life story

Chad Alexander Bjorklund, 54, of Brooklyn Park, died on June 22, 2023

Chad was born in Minneapolis on November 29, 1968. He graduated from St. Anthony Village High School in 1987, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Chad worked for 30+ years as an Automation Control Specialist for HVAC systems within companies including Trane, Egan, and Horowitz.

He is survived by his son, Andrew Bjorklund (WonWon) of Tigard, OR; daughter, Carina Bjorklund, of Shoreview; his parents, Brad Bjorklund of Arden Hills, and Julia Bjorklund of Lindstrom, MN; his brothers, Eric Bjorklund of Bloomington, and Robin Bjorklund (Liz) of Castle Pines, CO; nieces and nephews Amelia, Peter, and Avery Bjorklund; grandmother Jane Koll; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Blanche Bjorklund, James Koll, and Katherine Koll. Additional survivors include his ex-wife, Vicki Bjorklund; his former fiancé Kris Dunham, his faithful dog, Daisy, and countless friends and associates.

About Chad

Chad was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and boating with family and friends. He was also a traveler, game player, gardener, coin collector, rock hound, scuba diver, and skier. Above all else, he was the ultimate handyman who loved his tools, gadgets and gizmos, as well as helping/teaching others how they could fix things around their own home. Furthermore, he was pretty darn smart and excelled at many things, was a consummate provider for those who needed help, a profoundly rooted family man, and was ever approachable, talkative, and friendly.

An outdoor celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the private beach front on Lake Johanna (see details below).

Because Chad died after a long fought battle with alcoholism, please consider making a donation to an alcohol treatment program or support group of your choice. Or, you may pass on donations to his brother Eric, who knew him best, and will search for and give out to the many causes in need.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

September 23, 2023

The Club entrance is at the south side of the intersection of Arden Place and Ridgewood Road. It is a long block southwest of the intersection of County Road E (also known in this area as Lake Johanna Boulevard) and Old Snelling Avenue, kiddy corner from Lindey's Steak House.

The apparent address of the island is: 1520 Arden Place, Arden Hills, MN. NOTE, the entrance to the island is a little driveway just to the left of a private property home (address 1532 Arden Place). Do NOT bother the residents of this private home. Proceed down the driveway marked by a white sign that says "Private Property No Trespassing".

There is ongoing construction of the round about at this intersection. Currently Old Snelling from the north is blocked off. County Road E goes through to Rigdewood. This may change by the 23rd. The neighborhood is a little remote, heavily wooded and residential quiet.

Island Facilities – The Island is accessed by a slightly hidden gated private drive (the gate will be open) over a small bridge. It's about 5 acres and has a commercial porta-potty, a changing room, basketball hoop, volleyball, softball, swimming beach with raft and slide, fire pit, playground equipment, swing set, boat launch, dock, 12 picnic tables with attached seating, 4 serving tables, lake viewing benches, trash and recycling containers. A generator will supply electricity for crock pots, etc. Tents will be erected.

Parking – Island parking for about 20 in the lot and along the driveway. Street parking on Ridgewood Road and Arden Place for more than 30 within a block. Parking for immediate family of 10-15 at Brad's house at 3550 Ridgewood COURT. Additional parking can be had further up Ridgewood Road, east and west along Arden Place. One or two parking assistants (wearing a bright vest) may be needed to direct people farther up the streets if more than 60 spaces are needed. A lawn tractor and trailer will ferry people and supplies between Brad's house and Island.

Phone Numbers:

Eric Bjorklund 612-323-5861

Brad Bjorklund 651-253-3498