Franklin Louis Bjornson

Franklin "Frankie" Louis Bjornson, 52, formerly of Park River, ND, died suddenly October 26, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Franklin was born April 27, 1959 in McVille, ND, the son of Kenneth E. and LaVonn A. (Hovel) Bjornson. Franklin attended schools in Park River and graduated from Park River High School in 1978. Franklin was baptized in Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND, and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Park River, ND. Frankie graduated from college at the University of Washington and later worked for Merrill Lynch, sold real estate and moved to Phoenix. Currently Frankie owned and operated a company that manufactured athletic uniforms for high schools and colleges all over the country. Frankie enjoyed coaching and playing basketball, skiing, and football in which he had a scholarship to play in college. He coached basketball at Glendale Community College in Arizona. Frankie enjoyed spending time with his family and large group of friends. He made the gift of organ donation in order to benefit others. Frankie is survived by his parents; sister, Roxann (Randy) Johnson; brother, Mitchell (Leslie) Bjornson; nieces & nephews, Brandon Bjornson, Brittany Bjornson and Benjamin Bjornson and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sophus & Irene Bjornson and maternal grandparents, Myrtle & Louis Hovel; cousins, Kevin Loegering and Peter Loegering. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. VISITATION: One hour prior to the funeral service at Amundson's. INTERMENT: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.