Rev. Lloyd Bjornlie

Reverend C. Lloyd Bjornlie, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, January 9, 2011 at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. Clarence Lloyd Bjornlie was born July 25, 1925 to Norwegian immigrants Lars and Bertha Bjornlie, in Cooperstown, North Dakota. Lloyd grew up in a loving Christian home, the youngest of five children, in Cooperstown, and the small farming community of Leonard, near Clearbrook, Minnesota, graduating from Clearbrook High School in 1943. Lloyd served in the U.S. Army in France, Norway, and Germany from 1944-46. While in the service, he experienced the grace of God and the reality of prayer in a new and vital way. After his discharge, during a three-month bout with Rheumatic Fever he committed his life to God's service whatever that might be. Enrolling at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota he took many pre-seminary courses, and graduated in 1950 with two majors: Business Education; and History and Political Science, with minors in Psychology and Education. It was at Concordia that Lloyd met the love of his life, Eleanor Eastvold, and many other lifelong "Cobber" friends. Lloyd and Eleanor (Eastvold) Bjornlie were married October 29, 1949 at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, rural Borup, Minnesota. To this union five children were born: Cheryl (Olsen), David, Ethan, Lori (Kristiansen), and Teresa (Heikes). Lloyd accepted a call to teach at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1950. He became Principal in 1954 and served there until 1964. His passion for the Lord Jesus, and love for his students have borne fruit in the lives of many who call him friend. During these years, he also attended Lutheran Brethren Seminary, preached at various churches as a supply pastor, and led several Gospel Teams. In 1964 the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Lloyd held the position of Assistant to the University of Minnesota's Vice-President for Educational Relationships. In this position Lloyd was in charge of the office of accreditation for all private schools in the state of Minnesota. During these years, he enjoyed worshiping and serving as an elder at Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church. By 1970, Lloyd had also received his Masters Degree in Administration, and completed all course work for a doctorate. Then God began laying on his heart a call to fulltime ministry that he couldn't ignore. When Immanuel Lutheran Brethren Church in Eugene, Oregon issued him a pastoral call in 1970, he accepted this outward confirmation of the inward Call he had felt from the Lord. The years spent in Eugene were rewarding for the entire family. The Church of the Lutheran Brethren annual convention elected Lloyd as President of Lutheran Brethren Schools in 1972. LBS included Hillcrest Academy, Junior Bible College, and Seminary, where he served three terms (twelve years). During this time, he also served three years as president of the Minnesota Non-Public Accrediting Association. Lloyd and Eleanor made a good team, and remained so as they served Berea Lutheran Brethren in Alexandria, Minnesota, from 1984-1988, and Dovre and Union Lake parishes in Winger, Minnesota 1989-1993 before retiring to Fergus Falls in 1993. The diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in 1993 cut short his retirement plans for writing, and even interim preaching, as his voice weakened. But his faith and spirit was strong, and he graciously accepted this weakness, trusting in God to walk with him on this road as well. As Principal, President, and Pastor, Lloyd was a servant leader. His compassion, genuine concern for each person he met, and dry wit will be missed. As father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he has passed on a legacy of faith to three generations who are all walking the path of faith in his, and his Lord's footsteps. Blessed be his memory! Lloyd is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Eastvold) Bjornlie, five children and their spouses: Cheryl (Stan) Olsen, David (Vivian), Ethan (Carla), Lori (Ken) Kristiansen, and Teresa (Mike) Heikes; thirteen living grandchildren: Andy (Rachelle) Olsen, Mary (Kristian) Olsen Anderson, Jim (Suzy) Olsen, Rachel and Tommy Olsen; Jenny (Brandon) Bjornlie Pangman, Dan (Cara) Bjornlie, Kristin (Ryan) Bjornlie Erickson; Astri and Deidre Bjornlie; Heidi, Hans, and Johanna Kristiansen; and seven great-grandchildren: Mya and Ian Pangman, Elijah, Isaiah, Josiah, Jeremiah, and Zachariah Bjornlie; his oldest sister, May Bjornlie Folden Coon, and numbers of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents Lars and Bertha Bjornlie, siblings Oswald, Myrtle Irene McCarley, and Bernice Steenerson; and granddaughter Ingrid Bjornlie. Memorials are preferred to the Lloyd and Eleanor Bjornlie Scholarship for the Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Ed Monson Interment: Jevnaker Lutheran Cemetery, Borup, Minnesota to be held in the spring.  Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls