January 12, 1933 - March 21, 2026
Marilyn Ann (neé, Ploog) Bjorklund, 93, of St. Cloud, MN, passed away on March 21, 2026, at Havenwood Memory Care Unit in Richfield, MN surrounded by loved ones. Marilyn was a 57-year member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Cloud, MN. Born on January 12, 1933, at Clinton, IA , the daughter of Edward and Anna (neé, Anderson) Ploog. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, IA. Marilyn lived a life marked by faith, family and kindness and touched the lives of many. After attending and graduating from Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, IA, (UNI), she was united in marriage to Lorimer Richard Bjorklund on June 3, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, IA. They spent their married lives in Cedar Falls, IA, Swea City, IA, Columbus, OH and St. Cloud, MN. Upon retirement, Marilyn and Lorm spent 17 winters in Casa Grande, AZ.
Marilyn spent her working career as an Elementary classroom teacher and Title I Reading teacher, where she was known for her joy in teaching, especially reading. Outside of work, she found joy in spending time with her family, volunteering at her church which included numerous years as a Sunday School teacher, and was always happiest when planting and digging in her flower gardens. Marilyn cherished her family. She is survived by her five children, Kurt (Luanne) Bjorklund of Charles City, IA, Brenda (Dale Dhein) Bjorklund, Alexandria, MN, Terri (Carl) Guggenberger, Alexandria, MN, Kelli (Jody) Schramel, Sartell, MN and Kathi (Tom) Krey, Richfield, MN; brother, Gary Ploog of Queen Creek, AZ and sister, Myrna Hass of DeWitt, IA. Marilyn dearly cherished her 15 grandchildren and 13 (plus 2 on the way) great-grandchildren and their families. She was preceded in death by her dear parents; beloved husband, Lorimer in 2015; brother-in-law, Loren Hass and sister-in-law, Karen Ploog.
Marilyn’s presence brought warmth and steadiness to those around her, and her absence will be deeply felt.
A private family service has been held. Burial will take place at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.
Marilyn leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, family and the memory of her life will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Sorry for your loss! Keep the memories alive! Keeping your family in my prayers! ❤️
Thinking of you and your family. We love you Bryan & Bethany!
My deepest condolences to the entire Bjorklund Family, especially Kurt, Brenda, Terri, Kelli and Kathi. I always enjoyed visiting with Marilyn and she was a kind friend to my own mother. May her memory live on through the lives of her family and friends.
We are so saddened to hear of her passing and feel incredibly blessed to have known her for so many years. She was a meaningful part of our church family, and it was a gift to have all three of our children learn from her in Sunday school. We especially treasure the cross-stitched ornaments she made—each Christmas they remind us of her kindness and the love she shared so freely.
She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Craig, Sandy, Anne, Charles, Noelle Hackenmueller
Kelli & families,
We were saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. Marilyn was a loving and special lady. Our children were blessed having her as a Sunday school teacher!! May all the memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. She will always be remembered.
Laura & Doug
My sympathy and prayers go to Marilyn’s beautiful family.
We first met at confirmation class at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1946. We became close friends, best friends. all through high school. .Marilyn was Validictorian of
our class. It was a joy to stay
In contact all of these years!
I will miss her and will always remember her with love!
To my cousins, I’m so sad to hear about Aunt Marilyn passing, she was such a wonderful person. When she visited Arizona she always talked fondly about all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and kept me up to date with your lives. It was always so special to get to visit with her and Uncle Lorm.
I miss their visits and treasure all the fond memories we have of growing up with the Bjorklund family. Christmas at grandma and grandpa Bjorklund was so much fun when you got to spend time with your cousins!
I hope all the special memories you shared will provide comfort in the days ahead. She will be deeply missed.
To Lorimer and Marilyn’s families:
I have fond memories of Lorimer and Marilyn. They were such faith filled people and it was an honor and privilege to have them as my cousins. My mom and Ellen were sisters. May you always cherish the memories. I will always remember when Lorimer and Marilyn and Aunt Ellen came to our reunion in Dayton, Iowa many years ago. Aunt Ellen said the blessing in Swedish. I will always remember Marilyn’s sweet laugh and her beautiful eyes. I am thankful for the memories.
Kathryn Murphy Vawter
Boise, Idaho