Joseph Emmanuel Bjorklund

On Monday, February 21, Joseph Emmanuel Bjorklund, husband of the late Mary Gardner Bjorklund, affectionately known to many as “Grandpa Joe,” passed on to his “Himmel” to prepare the way.

“A Djo Alskade Morfar Och Vor Goda Van.”

The proud son of Swedish immigrants Sanfried and Ida (Andersen) Bjorklund, Joe is survived by two daughters, Mary Ellen Harris and her husband David Harris of Newtown, and Claire Eileen Bjorklund of Stamford. The loving grandfather of Christian Richard Chemero of Newtown and Lisa Marie Seri of Danbury, he will be sadly missed by his four beautiful great-grandchildren: Brandi Lynn Watkins of Sandy Hook, KarliAnn Elisabeth, Jack Joseph and Noah Seri of Danbury, as well as many nieces and nephews.

All of the above mentioned, together with some 50 family members and friends, gathered at the Inn at Newtown last December where Joe was feted to a grand ninetieth birthday celebration.

An avid worker with wood, he was a life-long builder, erecting new homes or restoring dwellings and antiques to their former stature. During his later years, due to some limitations, he continued to create timeless, wonderful toys and games. Even in this era of computer ease and speed, he chose to hand produce all manner of pleasant objects, sure to transcend his own lifetime.

Grandpa Joe was a member in the 32nd degree, Masonic Temple Washington #19 of Monroe. He was an enthusiastic musician in both the Shriners Oriental Band and the Connecticut Swampyankees Hillbilly Band #72. He spent close to half a century actively participating in the good works of both the Shriners Children’s Hospital fundraisers and the United Methodist Church of Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook. He was also active in several other local organizations including the Newtown Fish and Game, Hattertown Rod and Gun and Turkeyroost Game Clubs.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 25 at 11 am at the United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook. In lieu of flowers, Joe wished donations to be made to either the Pyramid Shriners Hospital at 345 Wheelers Farm Road, Milford, Conn. or to the United Methodist Church Fund.

The Newtown Bee         February 25,2000