[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         DEATH OF BOB BJORKLUND

  Mr. DURENBERGER. Mr. President, this past Thursday a giant of the 
amateur sports scene passed away in Hopkins, MN. Although Bob Bjorklund 
will be missed by all, the memory of his many and varied contributions 
will always remain.
  Bob was a native of Minneapolis who went on to play football at the 
University of Minnesota for 3 years, and served as the Golden Gophers 
cocaptain during their 1940 undefeated National Championship season. 
After graduation, he played two seasons with the NFL's Philadelphia 
Eagles, 1941 and 1946, and served as an assistant football coach at 
Augsburg College in Minneapolis, 1948 and 1950, and freshman football 
coach at the University of Minnesota during the 1951 season. His 
athletic achievements were temporarily put on hold as Bob served his 
country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  Away from the gridiron, Bob became involved in the U.S. Olympic 
Committee and served as fundraising chairman for the states of 
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. He attended the 
Olympic Games wherever they were held.
  But Bob's interests were not limited to the athletic arena. He had a 
deep love for politics and served as chairman of the volunteer 
committee for former U.S. Representative Walter Judd. He was also 
deeply involved in the community, through his work with the Big 
Brothers/Big Sisters Program, Goodwill Industries, and the Augsburg 
fund drive. He also served as a member of the management committee at 
the YMCA, finance chairman of the Minnesota Association for Retarded 
Children, and president of the Minneapolis Athletic Club.
  Mr. President, with all this activity, one wonders how Bob had time 
for anything else. But he found time to do a terrific job for Banker's 
Life Co. from 1947 to 1978. While there, he was a member of the 
Manager's Advisory Committee from 1956 to 1960 and served as its 
chairman during the last year of his tenure. He was also president of 
the General Agency Managers Association.
  Bob Bjorklund taught us a lot during his lifetime. By giving of 
himself, he touched more lives than even he could have imagined. I know 
he is looking down upon us even as a we speak--and I hope my colleagues 
will join me in saying a heartfelt ``thank you'' for all he has done.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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