Paul Bjorneby

Paul E. Bjorneby, 92, Grand Forks, died Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Valley Memorial Homes Transitional Care Unit in Grand Forks. Paul Ellsworth Bjorneby was born November 2, 1919 in Grafton, ND, the son of Clarence Bjorneby (who later changed his name to Clarence Bradley) and Selina (Gunhus) Bjorneby , giving him 100 % Norwegian descent. Paul attended rural elementary schools where his mother was a teacher: Ellingson, Union, Johanson, and Flom schools. Paul attended high school in Edinburg and graduated in 1936. He attended UND from 1936-1937. He then attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis where he learned welding and mechanics, using those skills while working at the Fargo Foundry. Paul also attended the University of Nevada in Reno. Paul entered the U.S. Air Corps in 1942 at Hamilton Field, San Francisco, where he piloted B-17's, was a flight instructor, and mechanical engineer for the U.S. Air Force. Paul married Kristin June Isfeld of Gardar, ND in Redwood City, CA on January 26, 1947. They made their home in Glendale, CA moving to Edinburg, ND in 1951 where he was engaged in farming. He was also a volunteer member of the Edinburg firefighters. He was a welder at the PAR site at Concrete, ND from 1970-1974 and remained as an iron worker at the site until his retirement in 1984. Paul and June had two daughters, Kathryn Helen and Frances Kay. Paul and June were happily married for over 60 years. They moved to Grand Forks, ND in 1986 where he worked for Concrete Inc. and continued his interest in farming helping on the Folson and Staveteig farms. Paul belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Edinburg, ND until they moved to Grand Forks, ND where he and June became members at Calvary Lutheran Church. Paul was a member of the Edinburg American Legion Post # 156 for 68 years. He was active as a Mason in Walsh County and the Kem Temple of the Shrine in Grand Forks and active in the North Dakota Democrat party. Paul enjoyed travel - especially exploring the state of North Dakota, the West coast, and old Route 66 with his daughters. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife June; his sister Clarice Bjorneby Dusel Wilford, and brother David Bradley. He was also preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law: G. Ann (Isfeld) and Bjorn Melsted; Katharine (O'Sullivan) and Sigurd Isfeld - beloved friend and brother-in-law. Paul is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Bjorneby Fiedler of Grand Forks, ND and Frances Bjorneby Kraemer (Anten) of Philadelphia, PA; grandson Paul Fiedler of Bismarck, ND; and granddaughter Ainsley Fiedler of Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012 in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation: will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, June 29, 2012 in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks and for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: will be 2:30 p.m Saturday, June 30, 2012 .in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Edinburg, North Dakota. A coffee hour to be held in Trinity Lutheran Church in Edinburg will follow the interment. Memorials: are preferred to 4000 Valley Square - Hearthstone Unit to honor the memory of his beloved wife June.