Roy William Bjoraker, age 75, of Owatonna, died Monday, July 12, 2004, at his home.

He was born July 20, 1928, in Dickey Country, N.D., the son of Iver and Anna (Karlsson) Bjoraker. At age 10, he moved with his family to Steele County. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Alaska. He married Louella Jensen on Dec. 25, 1950 in Geneva. After his discharge from the Army, he worked for Josten’s Inc. in Owatonna until his retirement in 1991.

He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, having served on the board of deacons and currently as a trustee. Since his retirement, he enjoyed giving Christian Thanksgiving messages to the family gathered.

He was an active member of the Sons of Norway, member of the Golden Kiwanis Club in Owatonna, the American Legion Post #77, and loved America. He belonged to the Josten’s Gun Club and enjoyed trap shooting, hunting and teaching his grandsons how to drive and shoot. Roy was a carpenter, craftsman, and his children always said, “My dad can fix anything.” Roy was an avid historian and bicyclist. He loved to travel and was committed to his family and large circle of friends. The family would like Roy to be remembered as a loving husband to Louella for 53 years, and loving father to his children and grandchildren.

Roy is survived by his spouse, Louella Bjoraker of Owatonna; three children: William “Bill” (and wife Diana) Bjoraker of Pasadena, Calif., Kristi Bjoraker of Bloomington, Minn., and Robert “Bob” (and wife Kendra) Bjoraker of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Lloyd Bjoraker.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home. Owatonna, on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Friday at First Baptist Church from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 16, at First Baptist Church in Owatonna. The Rev. Paul Nelson of Aurora Lutheran Church will be officiating. Burial will be in the Aurora Lutheran Cemetery in Havana Township. The Steele County. Military Funeral Unit will provide military honors.