Michael Bjorklund
April 23, 1947 ~ July 9, 2021
Michael Bjorklund, 74, was born April 23, 1947 and passed away July 9, 2021. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. The Funeral Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Wilma Bjorklund; and his brother, Marc Bjorklund. He leaves behind his wife, Georgia Bjorklund of Scottsdale, AZ; his brother, Rick of San Diego, CA; his aunt and uncle, Ruth Ann and Oliver of Wichita; several cousins; 2 nieces. Michael played football at West High School and was inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame with his team members for having an unrivaled winning year in 1964. Michael went on to Arizona State University on a football scholarship. He moved on to Wichita State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. Michael became the Assistant Athletic Director at Wichita State University. His work history included being hired as a consultant by the State of Georgia for urban development. Michael also worked in hotel and restaurant management in Washington, D.C. and Florida. Michael retired from Sprint where he managed telecommunications, setting up cell towers in various parts of the United States. Michael was a kind person with a gentle soul. He was known as a Gentle Giant and known for his sense of humor. He will be remembered for his love of old cars, young women, and animals. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local animal shelter.
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Michael and I were best friends throughout high school and the rest of our lives. We played baseball for Nett Bothers Painting in the Southwest Boys Club League for several years. He was a whale of a good catcher – nothing got through him. We played so many hours of basketball, it would be impossible to add them all up. He always said he “could take me in the paint”, referencing his muscle in the free throw lane. We worked together during the summer for a few years and rode to school together. As all Wichita high schoolers did in those days, we drug Douglas pretty regularly on Friday nights. For quite a while during high school, we spent many nights at The Cue, a nearby pool hall, shooting hour upon hour of high intensity snooker. Mike introduced me to boxing. He had a friend that was a very good boxer and the three of us would sometimes spar to get the boxer friend (Ed) in shape for fights. Ed had Mike come to a couple of county fairs to fight him for exhibition. Ed always said the only problem with that was that Mike had no idea when to quit – he was a tough fighter. Needles to say, we spent considerable time in each others company, we were, and remained throughout life, best friends. I was his best man and he was mine. Mike and I had our differences, but that made very little difference because we cared for each other and respected each other. Michael was always a gentleman, respectful to my parents, polite, and fun to be around. We enjoyed each other and had a solid friendship. To say I’ll miss him and our Mexican Food lunches would be a gross understatement. And to Georgia, he was the best – my deepest sympathies.
Had a good time together Soph year at West High. Great guy to be with. Phil Fullerton
I just learned today, July 14, 2021 of Mike’s passing. Mike, or as we called him, “BJ”, will always have a special place in my memories. There was no mention in his obituary that BJ played football at Dodge City Community College following his high school graduation. In July 1967, BJ was going to travel from Wichita to Dodge City to attend the wedding of a college friend from his community college days. BJ asked if I would ride with him to Dodge City. I attended a movie in the afternoon while Mike attended the wedding. When Mike picked me up he asked if I would go on a blind date, as he had met an old girlfriend at the wedding. I agreed and on the third telephone call they found a girl who was willing to go on the blind date. That girl has been my wife for fifty-three years. Mike was a groomsman in my wedding and I was his best man at his first marriage. I had little contact with Mike after his wedding, as shortly after I went overseas in the Army. A few years ago I found Mike when he was living in Kansas City and we had a short telephone call. I’m sorry we did not reconnect in person. There was a group of us, that became good friends from the seventh grade through high school. For the three years of junior high, Mike and I had almost all of our classes together. Although we did not share many classes in high school, we remained friends. After Mike’s return from Arizona State, we reconnected and did many things together in 1967. I will never forget BJ.
Michael, thanks for the friendship over many years. Robust discussions crossing many topics and always settling in on the lighter side about fast, iconic cars, motorcycles, beer, good bourbon and the spirit of a loyal pup like Rascal. Although I will miss the chance to renew discussions and create new memories I’ll revisit often those memories had. Good friends are a special treasure our parents taught us. Thanks for the friendship. Until we connect again my friend. Mark M .07.14.2021
Back in the early 70’s, I worked for a guy in Wichita that had a small business doing grocery store inventories. I am 3 years younger and pretty sure it was Mike. I was wondering if anyone could verify my old memories? may God bless him regardless. Stan Stallbaumer
I knew Mike through junior high and high school. I always enjoyed his friendship because he was just a good person. I am not surprised to see he stayed that way throughout his life. My sympathy to all who loved Mike. Karl Herold