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John Bjornstrom Obituary

BJORNSTROM, John "Jack" - Age 74, died peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa on March 26, 2007, after a long illness. Jack was born on November 19, 1932 in San Francisco, California and was raised in Mill Valley, where he lived with his parents and his sister, Barbara, until he was admitted to Stanford University. He graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1957, and completed his internship at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. He served in the United States Army as a battalion surgeon in West Germany from 1959 to 1961. Jack completed his residency at Presbyterian Medical Center and the Veteran's Administration Hospital in San Francisco. In 1964 he started private practice in Santa Rosa, with a specialty in Internal Medicine. After he retired from private practice, he worked for five years at Health Plan of the Redwoods as Assistant Medical Director. He enjoyed serving the Santa Rosa Community for more than forty years. Preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Cora Bjornstrom, his sister Barbara Jones and granddaughter Jennifer Bjornstrom, he is survived by his loving wife of almost 52 years, Betty, and his four devoted children and their spouses, Ann and Steve Banich of Menlo Park, David and Sabrina Bjornstrom, Beth and Jim Haas, and John Bjornstrom, of Santa Rosa. He gave and received great joy as grandfather to Jason, Ethan, Rose, Joe, Jennifer, Erik, Tom, Amy, Katie, Chris, Kyle and Jacob. During his final days, he was surrounded by his faithful family and friends. He was an avid gardener and treasured time spent in his beautiful garden overlooking Bennett Valley. There he felt the Lord's presence and enjoyed a small piece of Heaven here on Earth. He also loved fishing and hiking throughout his life, particularly during summer vacations with his family at Packer Lake near the Sierra Buttes. Jack was an active and devoted member of the St. Eugene's community where he founded the Cancer Support Group and was spiritual director and a board member for the Spiritual Enrichment Center. Family, friends and countless others have benefited from and will truly miss Jack's advice, kindness, mentoring and wisdom. Family and friends are invited to an Evening Vigil Service at DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, 1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Eugene's Cathedral, 2323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa. Memorial donations may be made to St. Eugene's Cathedral and to Memorial Hospice, 821 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at the DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, beginning at 6:00 p.m. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 707-525-3730

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bjornstrom

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Chris

March 26, 2024

Miss you grandpa, but still love remembering all our wonderful times together.

Steve Banich

March 26, 2024

David Bjornstrom

March 26, 2024

17 year update:
I still miss my father greatly. I often think of him and wish he was here to share his wisdom and insights about our family, our daily needs and world events. Then I recall my confidence that he is in Heaven, still taking an active interest in all of us and asking God to provide for our needs. This life is short and I know we'll be together again!

Ann Bancih

March 26, 2024

I can't believe it's 17 years since you passed. We still miss you terribly! Mom is getting by and doing well but it would be so great if you were here to love her and support her. Heaven must be a wonderful place and when Mom's time comes she will be there at your side. We all miss you and love you. By the way, Jason got married to Annita this year and 4 year old Astrid is his new stepdaughter. I wish you could have met them and they could have known you. But I'm sure you are looking down and see the happiness they have brought to Jason. Love, Ann and Steve

Sabrina Bjornstrom

April 23, 2007

Jack was a man of gentle wisdom and quiet strength. He leaves us a legacy of love, endurance, and faith in God's perfect plan. We all miss him.

Theresa Draper

April 11, 2007

Jack was one of those special people you meet in life who leave a mark on your heart forever. I worked with Jack at HPR and always appreciated and valued his wisdom. He truly is with his Savior now, and I pray for his family to take comfort in his faith.

Stan and Teresa Dobrawa

April 9, 2007

Jack was a cornerstone in the community and church , respected and admired by many. Jack's strength as husband, father, grandpa and man of faith was an inspiration for all of us. Thank you Betty and Jack for the gift of your beautiful children and grandchildren. Much love and prayers, The Dobrawa Family

Jonathan and Jessica Warner

April 2, 2007

Jack clearly touched so many lives. He was an inspiration to husbands, fathers and grandfathers! Jack and Betty’s fifty-three years of marriage was such an example for us all! Whenever we saw Jack, he always had that bright light of Christ shining in his eyes! Our prayers are with his family~

Lisa Alder

April 2, 2007

Jack was such a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed. When I was eight years old Betty and Jack took me in for about 3 weeks. It seems like a short time, but I learned so much from the experience. I know that it helped me become a better person. I will keep Jack close to my heart with the wonderful memories I have of him. God bless him and his family.

Erik Bjornstrom

April 1, 2007

Grandpa was a great man and a great inspiration to us all. I'll never forget the times I spent with him and his amazing example as a strong, Catholic man. Thank you Grandpa, and I love you.

Jennifer Tenney

April 1, 2007

I was aware of his manner: always kind, thoughtful, and gentle, and how he adored his wife.
I send my love and condolences to Betty and all his family during this sad time.

Tommy Bjornstrom

March 31, 2007

I have always had a great respect for Grandpa. He was always kind and caring towards me. Some of my best times with him were birthday shopping trips, family holiday get-togethers, and breakfast a Coco's. During his last few months, he was an amazing example for me. He faced his sufferings with courage and always trusted God's plan for him. It makes me very happy to know that Grandpa is in Heaven, but I will also miss him very much. Grandpa (and Grandma) are two of my greatest inspirations, and I love them both very much.

David Bjornstrom

March 31, 2007

I owe so much to my father, no doubt more than I can ever really know or fully appreciate. His unwavering devotion and faithfulness to us, his family, set a standard for all of his children and their spouses to carry into our own lives and families.

In recent years, one of the most inspiring lessons during his illness was his courageous acceptance of God's will, even when that involved unimaginable suffering. Whenever my father led the family in saying grace before a meal at a family gathering, his final prayer was always to "let God's will take precedence over our own." God truly tested that resolve during my father's final days, and he met the challenge with his characteristic faithfulness and courage. My father suffered horribly, but died gloriously. I'm truly blessed to have such a father, and so glad that I was able to tell him before he died how proud I am of him.

P.S. My mother and father are like a union of two souls, with each good attribute of one reflected in the other. She's the most devoted wife and mother imaginable. I love you both.

David Bjornstrom

Jacob Haas

March 30, 2007

When my grandpa was alive we played. We had great times. I loved him very much. He loved me very much. I know he's proud of me. He was an inspiration to me. I love him so much. He was the best!

Rosemarie Villani

March 30, 2007

Jack always seemed like a kind, patient man with a good sense of humor and a gentle way about him. I'm very sorry for the loss to the whole family at his passing, and I'm sure your love and support made his final days joyous.

Mary Meyn

March 30, 2007

As I mentioned on my card, I never met Jack without Betty. My mom and I would meet them at the market and I was always impressed by Jack and Betty's "synchronicity". He seemed to have a wonderful, intelligent sense of humor, an inner kindness and to delight in his wife's company. Even the trainer at our mutual gym, when he and Betty worked out together, would comment often on how lovely it was to see them always together; and they always seemed happy--deeply content as two people who know each other beyond words and are one in faith and understanding. Love, Mary Meyn

Kyle Haas

March 30, 2007

The memories I have of my grandfather are unforgettable. From digging holes in the back yard to tossing pebbles at lizards in the front of his house,we've shared countless experiences. I'll never forget the love and kindness I recieved from him. I will remember him as one of the hardest working people I have ever met. The past week has been difficult but we all know that he is in heaven, continuing to serve as an inspiration to us all.

David Ellis

March 30, 2007

Jack always struck me as a true "gentle' man, with never a cross or judgemental word. He always had a wise and thoughtful way about him. I was very fond of Jack. I will miss him.

Alicia Grupico

March 30, 2007

God looked around his garden and he found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain;
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again.

He saw that the road was getting rough and the hills are hard to climb, so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered
"Peace be Thine."

It broke our hearts to lose you
but you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

Our prayers are with you.

Deirdre Kingsbury

March 30, 2007

I will never forget Jack's powerful and inspiring testimony at our women's Bible study group. He will be greatly missed.

Debbie Meihaus

March 30, 2007

I always saw jack with his wife betty putting up the weekly words of courage for the St. Eugenes street board, I would always admire their love for each other and devotion for the church . We will always remeber him in our hearts.
Love the Meihaus Family

Beth Haas

March 30, 2007

We will always miss our dad/grandpa, but he lives on. As I told him three days before he died, he'll be with us, watching over us, at every family meal. He'll be with us when we're fishing and hiking at Packer Lake. He'll be with us always, continuing to care for us and show us his wisdom. We'll miss him, but he will always be by our side.

Carole Kjar

March 30, 2007

Jack was a remarkable, and caring person. I am very proud to have had such a wonderful brother-in-law. He was always there for me when I needed advice, and I will never forget his wonderful smile and thoughtful ways. My family and I will miss him more than words can say.

Linda Young (Chrestionson)

March 30, 2007

I knew Jack when I worked at HPR. He was truly a very nice man. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Angie Moeller

March 30, 2007

Jack inspired and challenged me to really live my faith. I was blessed to work with him at HPR when he was first diagnosed with cancer. I remember how he continued to work even after difficult treatments, the beautiful flowers he would bring in from his garden (thank you, Betty, for even removing the thorns from the roses first!), the love he poured into his work helping people get the medical care they needed, his strong will, and the grace with which he shared his journey through illness and the deep conversion of faith it generated. My heart goes out to Betty and all their children and grandchildren. May it be some comfort to realize this special man will live forever in the hearts of more people than you may ever know. Peace. Angie

Beth Jordan

March 29, 2007

Deepest sympathies to all of Jack's family. He was a gift to us.
This comes with love,
Beth and Betty Jordan

Ann Banich

March 29, 2007

As I told my Dad before he died, I always felt like I was the luckiest kid in the world to have him for my father. My husband, my sons and I will miss him beyond words. He was an amazing Dad, an awesome Grandpa and someone who we all enjoyed and respected tremendously.

Lary Robbins

March 29, 2007

I knew Jack when we both worked at HPR. He was a lovely and compassionate man who was concerned with the individual and always had a kind word. My thoughts are with the family. Jack will be missed by the many who were blessed with his acquaintance.

Helen Montanaro Kitzke

March 29, 2007

Jack is truly an inspiration for our family. He truly will be missed by his family and friends. I will miss all of his wonderful e-mails. Our Cousin Betty and all her children are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Always, Helen

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Funeral services provided by:

Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. - Santa Rosa

1225 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95402

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