Emery Jay Bjorklund

Emery Jay Bjorklund, age 68, of Lake Preston passed away on June 4 th from a traumatic fall due to ongoing health struggles.

A celebration of life and barbeque will be held at 6 PM on Saturday, June 29 th , 2024, at the Lake Preston Legion Hall.

Emery was born in Madison, South Dakota on July 22, 1955, to Duane and Donna (Walker) Bjorklund. He grew up on a farm in Orland, South Dakota. He graduated from Madison High School in 1973. After having a few local jobs, he started driving trucks for John Krause of Madison, SD. He continued to drive for over 40 years and became a member of the Million Mile Club of Midwest Coast. An astonishing 5 million miles accident free! After a severe illness he was forced to stop driving truck. He started to work for 21 st Century Manufacturing out of Lake Preston. He mentioned that it was a blessing and had really enjoyed his life after trucking. This allowed him to be more active in the community and acquire many new friends.

He was married to Cindy (Gunderson) Minder in 1975 and had a daughter Stephanie Weber. His grandson, Camden, was very special to him. He spent every chance he could get with him.  Many summers were spent with his family in the Black Hills 4-wheeling. He was introduced to golf by Arlyn Jensen. He enjoyed golfing so much that he also played stimulated golf at the Lake Preston Country Club. If he wasn’t golfing or enjoying God’s country driving his side-by- side, he attended SDSU and high school basketball games. Emery would treat the Lake Preston teams to blizzards if they won. Barbeque competitions with Jason Paul and his family became another hobby of his. Checkered Barbeque was just another way to share his love for chili. Saturday mornings at Don’s Bakery became standard with the coffee bunch. In support of the bakery, he posted Facebook challenges for free donuts and inspirational quotes. His passion for dirt track racing started with his father when he was just a child. His dear friend, Don Hovde, and him spent many hours visiting about dirt track racing.

Emery will be missed by his daughter, Stephanie & Dan Weber and grandson, Camden. Siblings, Dean & Charmaine Bjorklund, Gayla & Dan Lemme, Neal & Rhonda Bjorklund, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends that he made over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Duane and Donna Bjorklund.

Flowers and cards may be sent to Johnson-Henry Funeral Home 305 E. Ash Street, Arlington, SD 57212

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel  www.crawfordosthus.com  De Smet, Bryant, Watertown, Hayti, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham.

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