MSGT Frans "BJ" Willy Bjorklund USAF Retired, of Castroville passed away September 11, 2024 at the age of 92. He was born June 2, 1932 in Stockholm, Sweden to Manne Bjorklund and Vivian Svenson Bjorklund.

BJ grew up in Sweden and graduated in 1948 from Solma High School in Ulriksdal, Sweden. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951. In 1973, BJ retired as a MSGT after serving for over twenty-two years.

BJ retired from the Air Force June 30, 1973. In 1973 to 1982 he worked for Shooters Haven in Phoenix AZ. From 1982 to 1997 BJ worked for New Mexico Tech, EMRTC, testing and research as project manager in Socorro, NM.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Bjorklund of Castroville; children, Marla Quillard of Jerome, Arizona, Larry Parson (Mary Jane) of San Antonio, Cathy Friesenhahn (Mike) of San Antonio, Alan Parson (Janet) of Natalia, Lisa Utley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Autumn Bjorklund Lopez (AJ) of Castroville, and Diana Bjorklund of Melbourne, Australia; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

BJ was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lillian Hubinette.

A Memorial Holy Rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m. with the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in BJ's memory to Friends of Hospice, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com