Joel Bjorlo

Joel Peter Bjorlo, 79 of Winona, died Sunday, February 26, 2023 at his home.

Joel was born April 6, 1943 in Seattle, WA to Clarence and Rosalie (Onstad) Bjorlo.  He graduated from Spring Grove High School.  Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam conflict in Bermuda until his honorable discharge in 1965.  On April 17, 1965, he married Marilyn Rogers in her home of Bermuda, where they met.  Joel graduated from the Police Academy and went on to work for the Goodview Police Department for 25 years plus.

Joel and Marilyn enjoyed camping at Money Creek Haven for many years.  He was a sports fan, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, but he loved watching all sports on TV.  Joel drove bus for many years for the Minnesota City Bus Company and Lamers which took him on many trips that allowed him to see several stadiums.  He also enjoyed his naps, watching the Young and Restless and watching Congress on TV.

Joel is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Lynn Finlayson (Scott Morgan); grandchildren, Ashley (Dustin) Blom, Devon Bjorlo, Dacotah Bjorlo; great-grandchildren, Lilliana, Katie, Dom, Amelia, Brooklyn and Jayden; two brothers; Gerald (JoAnne) Bjorlo and Richard (Louann) Bjorlo; two sisters, Andrea (Rolland) Ledebuhr and Rondi Adams; former son-in-law, Joel (Cheryl) Finlayson and his children, Josh (Julie) Finlayson, Eric (Amanda) Finlayson and former daughter-in-law, Debbie (Keith) Stetzer and Keith’s children, Brendan and Katie Stetzer, and many extended family members.

Joel selflessly donated his body to the Mayo Clinic Bequest Program.  A memorial service for Joel will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2023 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center with the Reverend Michael Short officiating.  Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Thursday and one hour prior to the service all at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston.

Memorials are preferred to Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation or Central Lutheran Church.  Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements.